What Types of Cancers Can Proton Therapy Treat?
Proton therapy can be effective in treating lymphoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, throat cancer, thyroid cancer, and various other conditions. Proton therapy is often used to treat both early-stage and advanced cancers due to the minimal side effects of proton radiation and its ability to treat both malignant and benign tumors. The success rate of proton therapy depends on the stage, location of cancer, and other factors.
Proton therapy continues to grow as one of the most advanced forms of radiation therapy available. Unlike traditional photon radiation, which deposits energy as it travels through the body, proton beams can be precisely controlled to release their energy directly at the tumor site. This feature, known as the Bragg Peak effect, allows radiation oncologists to target cancer while sparing more surrounding healthy tissue.
As a result, patients often experience fewer side effects during treatment and may face a lower risk of long-term complications. Because of these benefits, many cancer centers now consider proton therapy an important option for complex, recurrent, or hard-to-reach tumors where traditional radiation may pose higher risks.
In addition to treating a wide range of tumors, proton therapy is frequently used in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. This multimodal approach can improve treatment effectiveness, especially for aggressive cancers or cancers located near sensitive organs. Patients who have previously undergone radiation may also be candidates for proton therapy due to its ability to deliver a highly conformal dose while minimizing additional exposure to previously treated areas.
Explore what conditions can be treated with proton therapy:
Prostate Cancer
Proton therapy is an effective treatment for prostate cancer. Most men who have a prostate cancer diagnosis are candidates for proton treatment.
Breast Cancer
Proton therapy can be used to treat breast cancer. In a study, 99% of women with left-sided breast cancer experienced reduced radiation dose to the heart.
Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancers like larynx, sinus, tonsil, and throat cancers can be treated with proton radiation therapy. Head and neck cancer treatments vary with staging and location of the tumor.
Pancreatic and Bile Duct Cancer
A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can be treated with proton therapy. Treatment options may vary depending on the stage of cancer.
Lymphoma
Both Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be treated with proton radiation therapy. Laser-like precision allows radiation oncologists to effectively target cancer cells in the lymphatic system.
Lung Cancer
Both small cell and non-small cell lung cancer can be treated with proton therapy. Radiation therapy is a viable treatment option for patients with other lung and heart diseases.
Throat Cancer
Radiation oncologists often treat throat cancer with proton therapy due to its challenging location. Other head and neck cancer can also be treated with proton therapy.
Thyroid Cancer
Various kinds of thyroid cancer can be treated with proton therapy. Proton therapy is one of the best treatments for thyroid cancer as it can help reduce radiation to surrounding healthy tissues.
Testicular Cancer
Often after surgery, proton therapy is a recommended treatment option for treating testicular cancer. The amount and duration of treatment sessions varies by patient.
Esophageal Cancer
Proton therapy is a treatment available for esophageal cancer. Studies show that radiation doses to the heart are significantly less with proton beam therapy than x-ray radiation.
Stomach Cancer
Due to precise radiation technology, there are several benefits of proton therapy for stomach cancer. Gastrointestinal cancers can be treated more precisely and with fewer side effects.
Sarcoma
Sarcoma can respond to proton therapy radiation treatment. Some sarcomas that can be treated with proton therapy include: bone, chrondrosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma.
Bladder Cancer
The 3 main types of bladder cancer (urothelial, squamous cell, and adenocarcinoma) can be treated with proton therapy. Reduced radiation to healthy tissues and fast treatment time are some benefits of proton therapy for bladder cancer.
Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer can be caused by tobacco use, alcohol use, HPV, and other factors. Proton therapy is an option for those diagnosed with mouth cancer.
Liver Cancer
A liver cancer diagnosis can be treated with proton therapy. Proton therapy is used for tumor control and may be advised depending on the stage of liver cancer.
Tongue Cancer
Following surgery, proton therapy may be the best treatment for tongue cancer. Due to its challenging location, proton radiation therapy is used to prevent damage to surrounding areas.
Anal Cancer
The most common cause of anal cancer is HPV. Anal cancer can be treated with proton therapy to reduce treatment side effects.
Brain and Spine Cancer
Brain and spine cancer, including both malignant and benign tumors, can be treated with proton therapy. Studies show that CNS cancers treated with proton therapy have a 50% decrease in the risk of radiation-associated secondary tumors.
Rectal Cancer
Treatment options for rectal cancer depend on the stage. Proton therapy for rectal cancer is usually given prior to or following surgery.
Nasal Cancer
Treating nasal cancer can be done with proton therapy. Proton therapy for nasal cancer is often selected over regular radiation therapy due to its precise targeting.
Pediatric Cancer
Common childhood cancers are lymphoma, leukemia, and medulloblastoma. Proton therapy is a good option for pediatric cancer due to its highly-controlled doses.
Gastrointestinal Cancer
Proton therapy for gastrointestinal cancer is often considered a better alternative to radiation therapy because of its ability to attack tumors layer by layer. Proton therapy can be used to treat various types of gastrointestinal cancer including: colon cancer, rectal cancer, anal cancer, and stomach cancer.
Recurrent and Secondary Cancer
Proton therapy is an option for recurrent and secondary cancer treatment. By directly targeting the tumor with pencil beam scanning technology, proton therapy protects healthy organs and tissues surrounding the secondary tumor.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer can be treated with proton therapy radiation. Treatment lengths for colon cancer vary depending on the patient.
Additional Considerations for Proton Therapy Candidates
While proton therapy is one of the most advanced radiation options available, each patient’s situation is unique. Proton therapy treatment recommendations depend on several factors including tumor type, stage, size, location, and proximity to sensitive organs.
Our team typically evaluates each case to ensure that proton therapy provides meaningful clinical benefits over conventional radiation. Patients who have previously undergone radiation may still qualify for proton therapy because of its ability to limit additional exposure to previously treated tissues.
Benefits of Proton Therapy Over Conventional Radiation
The precision of proton therapy helps reduce many of the short-term and long-term side effects commonly associated with standard photon radiation. This precision includes minimizing radiation exposure to the heart, lungs, brain, spinal cord, reproductive organs, and gastrointestinal structures.
Proton Therapy is often considered for cancers located in anatomically complex or sensitive areas of the body. Many patients experience fewer acute complications, a smoother recovery, and improved long-term quality of life compared to what might be expected with conventional radiation.
What to Expect During Proton Therapy
Proton therapy is delivered on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home shortly after each session. Treatments are painless, non-invasive, and usually last 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish, with only a few minutes of actual beam delivery.
Before beginning therapy, patients attend a planning session known as simulation, where CT scans and sometimes additional imaging help build a customized treatment plan. Immobilization devices may also be created to help patients maintain consistent positioning throughout treatment. These steps allow the clinical team to deliver proton beam radiation with exceptional accuracy.
Most treatment plans involve daily sessions for several weeks, though the exact duration varies by cancer type and treatment goals. While some patients report mild fatigue, skin sensitivity in the treatment area, or localized side effects depending on the tumor location, the overall treatment experience is often less disruptive compared with traditional radiation. Even with treatment, many people continue working, exercising, and maintaining daily routines during therapy.
Long-Term Outcomes and Research
Research at California Protons continues to evaluate proton therapy outcomes across various cancer types. Studies have shown favorable tumor control rates in many settings, often with reduced toxicity to surrounding organs compared to conventional radiation.
This is especially important for pediatric patients and younger adults, who face higher lifetime risks of radiation-related complications such as secondary cancers, growth abnormalities, and organ dysfunction. Proton therapy is also a valuable option for recurrent tumors that require re-irradiation, allowing clinicians to treat the cancer while protecting previously irradiated tissues.
Ongoing advancements in imaging, beam delivery, and treatment planning continue to improve the precision and effectiveness of proton therapy. Technologies like pencil beam scanning enable highly conformal dose distributions, and emerging research into novel delivery techniques aims to further expand the role of proton therapy in modern cancer care.
How To Make An Informed Decision For You
Selecting a cancer treatment is a significant decision, and patients benefit from understanding all available options. Proton therapy offers meaningful advantages for many cancers, particularly those located near vital organs or in patients where minimizing long-term side effects is a priority. Speaking with an experienced team from California Protons Cancer Therapy Center can help patients determine whether proton therapy is the appropriate choice for their specific diagnosis and treatment goals.
Start Your Treatment Journey with California Protons Therapy Center
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and are exploring advanced treatment options, now is the time to consider proton therapy. California Proton Therapy Center is one of the nation’s leading providers of state-of-the-art proton radiation, offering personalized treatment plans, experienced physicians, and advanced technology. Our team is committed to helping patients receive effective care with reduced side effects and optimal long-term outcomes.
Take the next step toward confident, compassionate cancer care. Contact California Proton Therapy Center today to schedule a consultation, speak with a treatment specialist, or learn more about whether proton therapy is right for you. Your treatment journey begins with a single conversation, and we are here to support you every step of the way.