Proton therapy: A modern approach for treating cancer

1. Proton therapy: A modern approach for treating cancer Proton therapy is a sophisticated and highly accurate radiation treatment for cancers. It directs less radiation onto nearby healthy tissue than other techniques, concentrating more energy on the tumour. Proton therapy sometimes referred to as proton beam therapy, is used to treat various types of cancer. Protons differ from conventional radiation in that they have unique characteristics that let medical professionals better tailor radiation to the size and structure of the tumor. It may occasionally be combined with other treatments, like surgery and chemotherapy, depending on your cancer type. What kinds of cancer can be treated with Proton therapy? Numerous clinical studies are now being conducted to compare proton treatment with other forms of external beam radiotherapy. Compared to other forms of external beam radiotherapy for most malignancies, proton treatment has not been found to improve tumour control or decrease side effects. Most cancer types are thought to respond well to

2. proton treatment, including some brain malignancies, recurring cancers that have already been treated, and cancers in children. Protons may be helpful in your situation, which your oncologist may suggest. If the cancer is still present or returns after conventional X-ray radiation, proton treatment may also be utilized. Proton therapy can be used to treat the following malignancies. Malignancies of the head and neck Liver cancer Chest cancer Lymphoma Cancer of the pancreas Tumours of the pituitary gland Male sexual cancer Brain cancers Breast cancer Eye melanoma in children with cancer Spine-related cancers How does proton therapy work? Proton beam therapy eliminates tumour cells and damages the tumour's DNA. In a particle accelerator like a synchrotron or cyclotron, protons are separated from hydrogen atoms and accelerated. Theprotons move quickly and produce a lot of energy. This energy drives the protons to the required depth in the body. The protons then deliver the targeted radiation dose for the tumour. The radiation dose outside of the tumour is lower with proton therapy. During conventional radiation therapy, x-rays continue to deliver radiation doses even after they have left the patient's body. This indicates that radiation may harm neighbouring healthy tissues and result in adverse effects. Advantages of proton therapy The capacity to target the tumour cells more precisely is the proton treatment's primary advantage. According to research, proton therapy exposes the tumour to a larger radiation dose while exposing nearby healthy cells to much less radiation. Radiation-related adverse effects may be less, and the risk of subsequent malignancies is lower when less healthy tissue is exposed. Proton therapy has additional advantages because of this specific targeting: When a tumour is close to the regions of the brain that control these activities, protecting crucial neurological processes like speech or memory, proton therapy is an efficient treatment for this. When treating breast or spine cancer and limiting radiation exposure to crucial organs like the heart and lungs, oncologists suggest proton beam therapy.

3. Lowering the dangers for children with cancer, who frequently experience long- lasting adverse effects from harmful cancer therapies, proton therapy may play an essential role in this situation. Assisting in preventing additional radiation exposure to areas that have already received radiation, if a tumour returns in the area where it was first discovered or nearby proton therapy is beneficial in this situation. Risks factors related to proton therapy As the cancer cells die or as the energy from the proton beam affects healthy tissue close to the tumour, proton treatment may have unwanted effects. Proton treatment is thought to have fewer side effects than conventional radiation therapy because doctors can more precisely control where the maximum concentration of energy is released. However, healthy tissue does get some of the energy from proton treatment. Depending on where the area of your body is being treated and the proton therapy dose you receive, you may encounter adverse effects. The procedure itself causes no pain. You can feel exhausted afterwards. Additionally, you can experience skin issues like burning and peeling, redness, itchiness, swelling, and dryness. If you are also getting chemotherapy, you can experience additional adverse effects. Proton therapy's adverse effects vary depending on the body part being treated, the size of the tumour, and the types of healthy tissue nearby. What are the possibilities for recovery and the future after proton therapy? After a proton treatment session, most clients immediately resume their regular activities. Within 2–8 weeks, many people start to experience results from this surgery. The type of cancer you have and its location in your body affects how the tumour reacts to proton therapy. Ask your oncologist about proton therapy as a potential treatment option if you are diagnosed with cancer. Your doctor will work with you to evaluate if this course of therapy is a good fit for you. A radiation oncologist will plan your proton therapy according to your cancer's nature and location. Proton treatment and conventional X-ray radiation therapy are being compared for effectiveness in numerous clinical studies.Proton beam therapy employs a similar strategy to other radiation treatments to kill cancer cells by causing DNA damage. If you want the best proton therapy, you can consult Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, one of the top oncologists in Delhi with years of experience treating cancer.