Proton Beam Therapy

What is proton beam therapy?

Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of radiation therapy used by radiation oncologists to treat cancerous and some non-cancerous tumours. It uses high-powered energy particles known as protons instead of X-rays to directly deliver radiation to the tumours.

Proton beam therapy is often used as part of a treatment plan for cancer patients in conjunction with other surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Proton beam therapy vs radiotherapy

Proton beam therapy delivers less radiation outside of the tumour by directing a beam of proton particles that stops at the tumour, so the chances of damage to nearby healthy tissues are low.

Traditional radiotherapy delivers X-rays, or photons, to the tumour and around it. This means that radiation therapy can harm surrounding healthy tissues and cause significant side effects such as fatigue, hair loss, and skin changes.

Benefits of proton beam therapy

• Minimises radiation exposure of healthy tissues
• Fewer short and long-term effects
• Lower integral dose per treatment
• Can treat recurrent tumors in patients who have already received radiation
• Potentially reduces the risk of secondary cancers
• Improve patient's quality of life

Disadvantages of proton beam therapy

This newer form of treatment is not widely available as it requires highly specialised and advanced equipment. Due to the sophistication of its technology, proton beam therapy will also cost more than traditional radiation therapy.

Proton beam therapy, however, has been proven to be effective in adults and children, and is increasingly being used to treat cancer due to its few side effects, and minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue and vital organs during the radiation process.

Learn more about how you can receive this treatment at Mount Elizabeth Proton Therapy Centre, and how to finance your treatment costs.

Why do you need proton beam therapy?

Proton beam therapy is used to treat advanced cancers, often in combination with other therapies such as surgery and chemotherapy. The procedure is also used to treat cancer that remains or comes back after X-ray radiotherapy.

Proton beam therapy can be used to treat conditions such as:

• Brain cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Liver cancer
• Lymphoma
• Oesophageal cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Spinal and soft tissue sarcomas

Who should not undergo proton beam therapy?

Proton beam therapy may not be suitable for patients who are:

• Pregnant
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and other connective tissue disorders

What are the risks and complications of proton beam therapy?

Proton therapy is considered to be a safe and efficient form of radiation therapy. and has few side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy.

Nonetheless, protons may still transmit some of their energy to nearby tissues to a small degree, and cause side effects such as:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss, skin redness and soreness around the body part being treated

How do you prepare for proton beam therapy?

Before undergoing proton therapy, your medical team will walk you through a planning process to ensure that the proton beam reaches the exact location in your body where it is required. The steps include:

• Finding the optimal treatment position for you. Since it is important that you stay still throughout treatment, having a comfortable position is vital. Cushions and restraints will be used to position you correctly and keep you still.
• Imaging tests to plan the path of the protons. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be performed to determine the area of your body to be treated.

What can you expect in proton beam therapy?

Proton beam therapy is usually performed in an outpatient setting. The number of therapy sessions required is determined by the type and stage of cancer.

Estimated duration

The procedure usually takes a few minutes, but you may be expected to spend about 30 minutes in the treatment room during the entire session.

Before the procedure

You will lie on a table and the radiation oncologist will mark the precise locations on your body where proton beam therapy will be administered. The locations of healthy tissues will also be marked to avoid the areas.

Your oncologist will then leave the room and go to an area where they can monitor you and use delivery controls to deliver the proton beam.

During the procedure

Proton beam therapy is done using a machine called a gantry, which rotates around your body and focuses proton beams at marked places on your body. The protons pass through the equipment and are directed to the tumour. When the machine is turned on and delivers the proton therapy dose, you won't feel the proton beam as it enters your body.

It is important for you to stay still during the procedure.

We will be able to monitor your position from outside the room, so we can stop the treatment at any time if you feel unwell during the treatment.

After the procedure

You can resume your normal activities after your therapy session is completed. Rest assured that you will not be radioactive or emit radiation.

Download our patient's guide to proton therapy at Mount Elizabeth

Care and recovery after proton beam therapy

After your session, you may experience fatigue and tiredness. You may also notice skin redness in the area where the proton beams were targeted. However, these side effects will subside on their own.

Depending on the area treated, you may also have other side effects like headaches and problems with eating and digestion.