5 Cancers That are Best Treated with Proton Therapy

New Era of Precise, Advanced Cancer Treatment

A cancer diagnosis can be life-altering. The top priority becomes finding the most effective treatment with minimal impact on your life. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology offer a reason for optimism: Proton Beam Therapy (PBT).

Unlike traditional radiation, which scatters its effects on nearby tissues, protons deposit their maximum energy within the cancer cells and stop (without harming the healthy cells). This leads to fewer side effects during and after your cancer treatment.

The blog delves into the potential of proton therapy for 5 specific cancers: 

1. Prostate cancers

2. Head and neck cancers

3. Lung cancers

4. Paediatric cancers 

5. Skull base and brain tumours. 

For each cancer, we will explore the benefits of proton therapy and empower you to make informed decisions about your treatment options.


Introducing Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, India
 

Located in Chennai, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) stands as a pioneering 150-bed facility dedicated to providing the most advanced cancer treatment. 

As the 1st proton therapy centre in South Asia and 1st JCI accredited cancer hospital in India, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is ranked among the best cancer treatment centres in India.

Why Choose Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in India?

• Unmatched Expertise: APCC has successfully treated patients from over 147 countries, a symbol of new beginnings in the fight against cancer.

• Leading in cancer treatment: The centre is distinguished for conducting the highest number of proton beam treatments in India.

• Personalised Care: Cancer Management Teams (CMTs) at APCC provide unmatched patient care, personalising your treatment plan to address your specific needs.
 

 
• Holistic Approach: As part of the renowned Apollo Hospitals, it excels in blending surgical, radiation, and medical oncology with proton therapy, ensuring patients receive holistic treatment under one roof.

• Global Recognition: Being India's first JCI accredited Cancer hospital, APCC is renowned for its excellence in cancer care on a global scale.

By choosing Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai, you're opting for personalised care and a team dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for your fight against cancer.


5 Cancers Best Treated with Proton Therapy
 

1. Prostate Cancer Treatment with Proton Therapy

Prostate cancer is ranked the most common cancer in men globally. While traditional radiation therapy can be effective in its treatment, it can cause urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and bowel problems.

This is where proton therapy comes in, a non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment option for prostate cancer in India.

It delivers high-energy protons directly to the prostate cancer cells, lowering the risk of long-term complications often associated with prostate cancer treatment.

PBT delivers up to 70% less radiation to healthy tissues in the pelvis, minimising harmful exposure to the bowel, bladder, penile bulb, testicles, rectum and urethra.

While any treatment can have side effects, the proton beams' precise targeting reduces the risk and severity of side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy.
 

Studies show that it has a less significant impact on sexual function compared to traditional radiation therapy. Its precise targeting preserves sexual function after treatment.

Can proton therapy cure prostate cancer? In some cases, depending on the stage and grade of the tumour, proton therapy is the best radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

Cost of Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in India

The cost of proton therapy for prostate cancer can vary depending on the stage and complexity of the case.

APCC is committed to providing transparent cost estimates. Their radiation oncologists will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan and provide you with a free cost estimate upfront.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a FREE cost estimate for your prostate proton therapy treatment.


2. Paediatric Cancer Treatment with Proton Therapy
 

For parents facing a childhood cancer diagnosis, the search for the safest and most effective treatment option is a critical decision.

Fortunately, Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) stands out in treating childhood cancers in India.

While cure rates have improved, traditional radiation therapy can pose a challenge for young patients. Healthy tissues surrounding the tumour are still developing, and radiation exposure can have long-term side effects.

PBT offers a revolutionary approach to treating paediatric cancers. Unlike radiation rays, which scatter energy beyond the tumour, protons deliver their precise dose directly to cancer cells and then stop.
 
Advantages of Proton Therapy for Children

1. Reduced Radiation Exposure
Delivers up to 70% less radiation to healthy tissues than traditional radiation. This is crucial for a child's developing body, reducing the risk of long-term side effects and future health complications.

2. Preserving Growth and Development
Minimising radiation exposure to healthy tissues can help safeguard your child's growth and development.

3. Treating Complex Cases
PBT's precision is especially valuable for tumours near critical organs or in delicate areas like the brain or spine.

4. Safer Treatment Option
Compared to conventional radiation therapy, it offers a safer cancer treatment approach for children, lowering the risk of secondary cancers developing in the future.

Treatable Paediatric Cancers with Proton Therapy at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai

• Spinal cord tumours

• Sarcomas

• Neuroblastoma

• Lymphomas

• Head & neck cancer

• Cancers affecting the eye

• Brain tumours

Cost of Proton Therapy for Paediatric Cancer at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in India

The cost of proton therapy can vary depending on the case. Factors like the child's condition, treatment complexity, and number of sessions can influence the overall cost.

Early diagnosis and sooner treatment may also lower treatment costs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a FREE cost estimate for your child's proton therapy treatment.


3. Skull Base & Brain Tumours Treatment with Proton Therapy
 

Brain and skull base tumours present unique challenges. Their location demands exceptional precision to ensure effective treatment while minimising impact on vital functions.

The brain is responsible for critical functions like memory, movement, and sensation. Traditional treatment approaches, including surgery, can sometimes risk damage to these functions.

Skull base tumours are located near critical structures like nerves and blood vessels; precise treatment is crucial to avoid complications.

Dr Rajesh Jalali, Medical Director and Lead Neuro-oncologist at Apollo Proton Therapy Centre in India, highlights that even though brain tumours can be small, their location makes them particularly challenging. Proton therapy offers hope for these patients.

Benefits of Proton Therapy for Brain Tumours:

• Its precision is valuable for tumours near critical organs or delicate areas like the brainstem, skull base or optic nerves.

• Studies show PBT lowers the risk of cognitive side effects like memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or fatigue.

• By minimising radiation exposure to healthy brain tissue, it helps maintain a higher quality of life during and after treatment.

This advanced treatment is considered one of the most advanced forms of radiation therapy for brain tumours due to its exceptional precision and ability to minimise side effects.

Proton therapy vs surgery for skull base tumours

Both surgery and proton therapy can effectively treat skull base tumours depending on the tumour's size, location, and other factors.

In some cases, surgery may not be suitable due to the risk of damaging nerves and vital structures. Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) offers a minimally invasive approach that preserves healthy tissue.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain or skull base tumour, it's crucial to discuss all treatment options with your doctor, including surgery and proton therapy.

Cost of Proton Therapy for Skull Base or Brain Tumour at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in India

The cost of proton therapy for skull base or brain tumour can vary depending on the stage and complexity of the case.

APCC is committed to providing transparent cost estimates. Their radiation oncologists will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan and provide you with a free cost estimate upfront.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a FREE cost estimate for your proton therapy treatment.


4. Head and Neck Cancers Treatment with Proton therapy
 

Head and neck cancers often develop near critical structures like the voice box, salivary glands, and muscles responsible for swallowing.

Treatment decisions weigh heavily, as traditional radiation therapy, while effective, can impact your ability to speak, swallow, and maintain facial aesthetics.

Fortunately, advancements in cancer treatment offer hope – proton therapy. This innovative approach utilises high-energy protons to target tumours in the head and neck region precisely.

Unlike traditional radiation, which scatters rays to nearby tissues, protons deposit their maximum energy within the tumour, significantly reducing exposure to healthy tissues.

This treatment preserves your ability to swallow, speak and maintain a normal salivary flow.
Proton therapy results in significantly lower rates of acute side effects such as:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

• Taste changes (dysgeusia)

• Mouth sores (mucositis)

• Nausea

• Weight loss

• Reduced dependence on feeding tubes (gastrostomy tubes)

• Opioid dependence for pain management

• Speech problems

• Dry mouth

Proton therapy vs surgery for head and neck cancer

Both surgery and proton therapy can be effective for treating head and neck cancers. The best approach depends on the size, location, and stage of the tumour. 

Being a minimally invasive approach, it may be suitable for some patients who are unsuitable for surgery, particularly near critical structures.

Cost of Proton Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in India

The cost of proton therapy for Head and Neck Cancer can vary depending on the stage and complexity of the case.

APCC is committed to providing transparent cost estimates. Their radiation oncologists will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan and provide you with a free cost estimate upfront.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a FREE cost estimate for your proton therapy treatment.


5. Lung Cancer Treatment with Proton Therapy
 

Lung cancer is renowned for its lethal side effects. Fortunately, advancements in cancer treatment offer new possibilities, and proton therapy stands out for its treatment.

Traditional radiation therapy can be a powerful tool against lung cancer. However, it can be limited by the surrounding healthy lung tissues. 

Delivering high doses of radiation can damage these tissues, leading to shortness of breath and fatigue, a heavy challenge for patients with pre-existing lung conditions.

Proton therapy offers a game-changing solution, a cutting-edge treatment option for lung cancer treatment in India.

Utilising high-energy protons that precisely target the tumour allows doctors to deliver a higher radiation dose to the lung cancer cells while minimising damage to healthy lung tissues.

Its ability to conform to the tumour's shape allows for a more targeted approach, potentially reducing the risk of damage to critical structures.

In some cases, PBT is a suitable option for inoperable lung cancer, especially if the tumour is located near critical structures or the patient has limited lung function. 

Discussing all treatment options with your doctor, including proton therapy, is crucial. This empowers you to make informed decisions about your lung cancer treatment.

Cost of Proton Therapy for Lung Cancer at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in India

The cost of proton therapy in India for lung cancer treatment varies depending on individual circumstances, such as the complexity of treatment and the specific needs of the patient.

APCC is committed to providing transparent cost estimates. Their radiation oncologists will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan and provide you with a free cost estimate upfront.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a FREE cost estimate for your proton therapy treatment.
 

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step
 

Apollo Proton Cancer Centre understands the immense challenges faced by cancer patients. 

Apollo's specialised doctors help you explore if proton therapy in India is the right option for you and navigate the process of receiving treatment at APCC.

Speak with an APCC International Patient Specialist: Don't navigate this journey alone.
 
Dedicated International Patient Specialists are available to answer your questions about proton therapy in India, address any concerns and guide you through every step.

Let's fight cancer with the most advanced tools and a team dedicated to your success.