A recent study from the largest proton center in the country at Loma Linda, California reported that for 1,225 men with prostate cancer, the 5-year success rate with proton therapy was only 73%. For those with high risk disease, the success rate was only 43% (Slater, 2004).
In this manner, what are the side effects of proton therapy?
In general, common side effects of proton therapy include:
- Fatigue.
- Mouth, eating and digestion problems.
- Headaches.
- Hair loss around the part of your body being treated.
- Skin redness around the part of your body being treated.
- Soreness around the part of your body being treated.
What kind of cancer can be treated with proton therapy?
Proton therapy research is ongoing and has shown promising results in the treatment of other tumors. Proton therapy shows proven results in treating prostate cancer, brain, head and neck, base-of-skull tumors, lung tumors, tumors near the spine, pediatric cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and melanoma of the eye.
Is proton therapy painful?
Proton radiation has a very short life. It goes into your body, targets the tumor and has few side effects to healthy surrounding tissue. Proton therapy is not painful. Most patients report no pain or discomfort during proton therapy treatment.