Proton Therapy

Proton therapy for prostate cancer is a treatment option that involves using a focused ray of proton particles to destroy cancerous tissues. The treatment is capable of delivering precise, high doses of radiation to accurately target cancer cells without causing damage to healthy tissue surrounding the prostate.

 

What are the Benefits of Proton Radiotherapy vs. Surgery for Prostate Cancer?

When diagnosed with cancer, it is vital to conduct as much research as possible regarding the various treatment options available.

This is particularly true for prostate cancer, since there are many different options, including surgery and radiation therapy.

When considering these two treatment plans, patients should take into account the invasiveness of surgery versus quality-of-life and lifestyle maintenance with radiation. Proton therapy, a specific type of radiation therapy, offers many benefits that surgery simply cannot offer.

Why Proton Therapy?

Proton therapy is the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today, with the benefit of very low (or no) side effects. Proton therapy makes it possible to deliver high doses of cancer-destroying radiation directly to cancerous prostate, while decreasing the risk of unnecessary radiation to sensitive surrounding tissues and organs, such as the rectum and bladder.

Patients typically experience little to no fatigue with proton therapy and bowel symptoms are uncommon. Symptoms of bladder irritation in the years following treatment are usually much less severe than those seen with other therapies.

With surgery, there are always general associated risks, such as: bleeding, pain, infection, and other risks related to hospital care. Specific to surgery for prostate cancer, there is a higher risk of some degree of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to radiation therapy.

Patients are encouraged to make researched, sound decisions after considering all factors and risks associated with each form of treatment.

Contact MHC Kingston to find out of Proton Therapy is appropriate for you or a loved one.