Proton Therapy – Ultimate Guide for Patients

Proton therapy is expected to be the next big thing in future of medical science. The advanced mode of treatment deserves all the hype it garners as it is the result of intense research and thorough study of innumerable researchers and doctors all across the globe. The concept of proton therapy was proposed by Robert Wilson in the year 1946. The implementation of the procedure was however kept on hold till the early 1950s when some clinics dared to pursue trial on some brain cancer patients and eye anomalies. It uses cyclotron technology for targeting the affected part with high focus and causing maximum damage and destruction without harming the neighboring tissues. Cyclotron is a particle accelerator where acceleration of charged particles is caused so that the particles speed outwards from the source by following a spiral path.

Ever since then, the procedure has been implemented on nearly two lakhs of people, among which 170,00+ candidates have been successfully cured with the procedure. A high proportion of the candidates belongs to the United States alone where almost 75000 candidates have been successfully treated by the therapy. The success rate of proton therapy is a record-breaking 93.25% which is downright impressive. The therapy is highly appreciated by eminent doctors, surgeons, radiologists owing to its seamless mode of operation and high accuracy. Researchers are constantly prying to make the best out of the procedure so that it can be made both affordable for the common people as well as widely implemented for a number of diseases. In the recent decades, proton therapy is expected to emerge as a breakthrough for a number of conditions and diseases.

What is proton therapy?

Better explained as proton beam therapy, the procedure in simple terms, is a focused beam of protons used for destroying the growth of unwanted cells that cause tumor formation. Overgrowth or uncontrolled growth of cells cause the formation of tumor which might be benign or malignant. Proton therapy is used as replacement of X-Ray therapy and is include as one of the most promising form of radiation therapy. The procedure implements usage of proton and focuses it. Thus, a beam of high energy is concentrated into a target place. In medical science, the positively charge protons are focused onto the target tumor which leads to its destruction. Proton therapy is mostly implemented as an advanced mode of cancer treatment. The use of ionization therapy has thus proved to have high accuracy than the previous modes of radiation therapy.

Since the therapy uses highly focused beams, it is used to treat such tumors that are difficult to access. The tumors which are mostly diagnosed in junction with nerves or major organs and needs extreme precision, are mostly treated with proton therapy. Thus, some of the cases where proton therapy is highly implemented are:

• Pediatric Care
• Skull Cancer (cancer on the basal side)
• Brain Tumors
• Neck Tumor
• Breast Cancer (left-side)
• Prostate Cancer
• Lymphatic Tissue Tumor
• Prostate Tumor
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma
• Gastrointestinal Malignancy
• Reirradiation of Recurrent Cancer

How does it work?

Proton therapy offers an upgraded approach over the traditional photon therapy implemented otherwise. The procedure is preferred over other procedures because of the characteristics of the protons which gives a clinical advantage. The protons can be medically manipulated to achieve distinct dosages to the candidate. Manipulation of the dosages is very important as every tumor expresses different requirement and needs to be treated differently. For example, the dosages for the same tumor are different and needs to be manipulated as per the target, distal or proximal.

In this type of external beam radiotherapy, the surgeon shall use a particle accelerator for targeting the tumor with the high energy beam. The proton beams are sent via a machine which is meant for emitting radiation beams. The beams penetrate through the skin and hit directly at the target position which ensures complete destruction of the tumor. Along with this, the area surrounding the tumor also gets destroyed, which is ideal for containing the overgrowing mass to a specific area. Destruction of the area around the tumor also ensures that the tumor will not spread and the major organs will be saved from any further damage.

This has become possible due to the unique nature of the protons interacting with masses inside the human body. Proton interaction inside the human body portrays a curative solution by concentrating the energy and manipulating the dosages so as to achieve lesser complications and better results.

Conditions for which Proton Therapy is used

Proton therapy is still a subject of research. Even though it has shown immense success in the trials, it is still being researched intensively by researchers all around the world. The implementation of the procedure however, needs supreme supervision as it involves extremely high energy beam for the destruction of cells. Any deviation or any kind of anomaly shall result into complications and irreplaceable damage. Thus, there are certain conditions which should be taken into consideration. The proton therapy is thus suggested in the following cases:

• When the tumor is detected in any part of the nervous system, treating with conventional method involves immense risk and life threatening in most cases. Thus, to treat it better, the tumor can be destroyed with the help of proton therapy in a seamless way.
• When the tumor clings to a major organ. Many a times, tumors (benign or malignant) are detected in the brain or heart or lungs, in which case operating or performing other forms of radiotherapy becomes difficult and challenging. In such cases, proton therapy is highly suggested as an alternative.
• Eye tumors or malignant lesions can be treated with proton therapy. Operations performed inside the eye involves risk of rendering the candidate partially or completely blind, in which case, implementing proton therapy gives an easier alternative for both the surgeon and the candidate.
• Proton therapy is also preferred over other conventional methods in case the candidate is diagnosed with breast cancer on the left side. This is because, operating on the left side of the breast will pose serious threat to the nerves and major arteries of the heart and the lungs.

Apart from this, the surgeons have to be extremely careful in choosing the candidate, whether the procedure deems fit or not. The procedure can be performed on candidates in conjunction with other surgical procedures as well. However, for this, the candidate needs to lay still for a period of 30 minutes during which the beam will be focused on the individual in order to destroy the cells and the tissues as required. Besides, the candidate needs to be thoroughly tested for underlying medical conditions which does not interfere with the therapy or create future complications. Although there are very few cases of side effects, yet, every possibility for the same should be ruled out.

Procedure Details

Though the procedure has high success rates, every candidate willing to undergo the procedure should be aware of complete information regarding the procedure as well as how it is going to affect the person undergoing the procedure. One must thoroughly consult the surgeon to understand the risks that might be involved (if any), and the possible follow up care that will be necessary. The candidate must also understand that irrespective of the efforts, expenditure, time and exhaustion, the treatment might not yield complete satisfactory result. Post-procedure result highly depends on the condition of the individual as well as the lifestyle and follow-up care undertaken by the candidate.

A standard proton therapy procedure is performed for a period of five to eight weeks. However, depending on the condition of the tumor being treated, the treatment may proceed for as minimum as two weeks or extend for more than eight weeks. The therapeutic procedure of proton beam therapy is counted as an outpatient service which is provided to the candidates approximately five days every week. The number of days the candidate is exposed to the therapy also may also vary from person to person as it depends on the tumor and the extent to which it is showing growth.

The procedure of Proton Therapy is divided into three sessions which include:

• Stimulation Session: Where the candidate is prepared for the therapy. This included diagnosis and 3D and 4D imaging scans to study the shape, size and the position of the tumor.
• Treatment Session: During this, the initiation of the treatment begins. The candidate is scheduled to have one treatment every week. The side effects are very less which means, the candidate can get back to work after an hour of rest.
• Proton Therapy: The candidate is made to lie down on either of the Rotating Machine or the Fixed Machine, where the candidate is exposed to the accelerated high energy beam. Though the treatment lasts approximately for a minute or more, preparing the candidate takes the rest of the time.

Cost of Proton Therapy

Though proton therapy has been gaining grounds all over the world, the major issue with availing the procedure is the cost. No matter how effective the procedure is, not many people are able to avail the treatment due to the high investment that it involves. On an average, proton therapy cost has been estimated to be ranging between $30,000 to $120,000. A number of people resort to alternative radiotherapy methods for two reasons: one involves the lack of exposure about the benefits of the process, and the other being difficulty in affording the procedure. However, the therapy may be covered in some medical insurances, which implies, that if the candidate is in possession of specific insurances which cover the expenses, availing the procedure becomes much easier.

The reason for such expense is fairly explainable once we understand the amount of investment it requires for a clinic to install the treatment facility. The clinic or the multispecialty hospital is required to have the necessary infrastructure to house such an extensive procedure, and thus, has to be planned accordingly. Apart from this, the device and the machinery required to project the therapy, along with necessary precautions, is also expensive as in most countries it needs to be imported form the United States. Overall, the expenditure involved to equip as well as establish a suitable therapy center ranges from about $25 million to about $200 million. This is also the reason, why most of the clinics and most of the countries prefer other radiation therapies over proton therapy, which makes the procedure less frequently available. However, some of the developed countries as well as the developing countries have come up with lucrative options which is enough to lure the suitable candidates to avail this miraculously procedure. Among them, India, Turkey, Spain, Switzerland, Lithuania, Singapore and Malaysia top the list. Thus, here is a brief insight on the proton therapy cost one has to incur in the different countries all around the world:

Proton Therapy in India

Among the various countries in the world, India is known to offer proton therapy in the most affordable packages across the world. The country has made its mark in the field of medical science since time immemorial. From herbs to chemicals, traditional to advanced, medical science in India flaunts an outstanding success record which drives thousands of medical tourists to the country every year. The treatment facility in India is more advanced than most of the countries in the world. However, the uncompromised diagnosis and the treatment options are available in some of the cheapest packages on a global scale. On an average, the proton therapy cost in India has been estimated to vary from $14,490 to approximately $28,819 which is counted among the lowest packages offered around the world. The reason being, the clinics in India are designed to accommodate highly efficient devices, even the ones involving high energy beam radiations, i.e., radiation therapies alike. Thus, most part of the expense revolves around accommodating the devices. Apart from this, the clinics offering proton therapy are known to house world-class medical professionals who are trained to perform radiation therapies with excellent accuracy. The surgeons and radiologists performing the procedure are highly skilled professionals who have earned distinct trainings in the field and are thus, well-acquainted with their jobs. The medical professionals are thereby praised for their exceptional skills in dealing simple to complex procedures.

The clinics are exceptionally designed to provide a seamless mode of treatment facility. In India, the two clinics which are considered for their supreme medical services in proton therapy are Apollo Hospital Indraprastha as well as HCG Manavata Cancer Centre. Where the former is situated in the capital city Delhi, the latter is located in Nashik.

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

Apollo Hospital Indraprastha is considered as the topmost hospital to avail proton therapy in India. It is not only the first hospital in South-East Asia to offer proton therapy services, but also offers the most affordable rates in the entire world. The hospital has a separate unit offering proton therapy which is meant for providing uncompromised treatment facilities to the candidates. Starting from testing and diagnosis to follow-up care post-surgery, the candidates are taken care of, until they completely recover without any complication. The hospital is popularly known for implementing proton therapy for neck tumors, pancreas, head, pancreas as well as selected pediatric cases of malignancy.

HCG Manavata Cancer Centre

The HCG Manavata Cancer Centre is another hospital offering topmost medical facilities to the candidates. It is not only offering some of the best cancer therapy treatments but is counted among the very few hospitals which offers proton therapy. The hospital houses more than 650 medical professionals and more than 35 oncologists meant for consultation. The hospital is also to known to have maintained high success rate which is why, nearly 70,000 candidates have been noted to receive treatment facilities here.

Besides proton therapy in India, the clinics here also offer procedures such as Internal Radiation Therapy, External Beam Radiation Therapy, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy, 2d Conventional Technique, Gamma Knife and many other procedures.

Proton Therapy in Turkey

Turkey is known for its exquisite treatment facilities. The country is well-known for its array of clinics as well as multispecialty hospitals that offer a wide range of treatment facilities. Turkey has also shown a glorious development in the oncology department. Separate units for cancer patients have been established, for treating not only the national citizens but also the medical tourists alike. The clinics are also well-known for their wide range of treatments offered. Every clinic in Turkey is well-recognized for the infrastructure and the medical facilities that it offers. The clinics as well as the multispecialty healthcare clinics have established separate units for proton therapy. The candidates who are eligible for availing proton therapy are thus given complete attention and thoroughly guided individually.

On an average, proton therapy cost in Turkey is thus, estimated to be $12,826. However, the cost of the procedure varies from clinic to clinic, as well the extent of procedure required. The latter depends on the part of the body where the cancer or the tumor has been detected. Tumor detected on certain part of the body require much more attention than that detected in other body parts. Proton therapy is implemented on such tumors that require enhanced precision and accuracy while treating with radiation therapies. Thus, tumors detected in the head, neck region or anywhere on central nervous system require extreme precision than that detected in the abdominal region. For the procedure to be performed with such precision, medical professionals are required who have been distinctly trained in proton therapy. The clinics and multispecialty hospitals thereby house surgeons who are not only decorated with necessary degrees but also have attained decades of professional training in the same.

Turkey is home to some of the best cities which are not only advanced in terms of technology but also upgraded in the medical field. Some of the hospitals have welcomed advancements in the field to a great extent. From embracing robotic technology to upgrading different radiation procedures for treating various types of cancer, Turkey has come a long way. Thus, some the such hospitals are:

• Anadolu Medical Center
• Hisar Intercontinental Hospital
• Liv Hospital Ankara
• Erdem Hospital
• Acibadem Taksim
• KOC University Hospital
• Bayindir Hospital Icerenkoy
• Medipol Mega University Hospital

Proton Therapy in Spain

Proton therapy in Spain is a recent addition to the phenomenal list of treatments offered to cancer patients there. The country is recognized for embracing the modern technologies and implementing them for the benefit of the citizens. Not only that, Spain has also welcomed medical tourists and made medical facilities very affordable for the common mass. Since the early 2020, proton therapy in Spain has gained immense ground in the country. A lot depended on the first patient who was exposed to the treatment. However, successful results coaxed them to expand the treatment and make it available for the common mass. The therapy is extremely necessary for candidates who are diagnosed with tumors (malignant or benign). Every session of proton therapy lasts for approximately 40 minutes for children and pediatric patients and 20 minutes for the adult candidates.

The most popular proton therapy center has been established in Madrid. The clinic is well-equipped with all kinds of necessities, that ensure the safety of the candidates and the medical professionals alike. This is extremely important as the radiation involves high energy particles for tumor destruction. Hence, any misplacement will cause permanent and irreparable damage to the candidate. Proton Therapy Center in Madrid is known for owning all types of proton therapy treatments, which is why, candidates with all kinds of requirements, and past medical history, can be treated here. Besides, the proton therapy cost in Spain is also one of the reasons for availing the therapy in the country. The cost of the treatment in the country is approximately $12,879, which is cheaper than many countries on a global scale.

Proton Therapy in Switzerland

Switzerland offers the most diverse treatment facilities to the medical candidates. People mostly avail treatment facility in the country because of the sophistication. Proton therapy cost in Switzerland is approximately more expensive than the other radiation procedures offered. However, the treatment guarantees lesser side effects and higher success rates. Thus, there are several reasons for availing the proton therapy from the country, which are:

• Luxurious treatment offered to the candidate during the procedure and follow- up care.
• Number of options: One has many options to choose from the list of clinics offering proton therapy in Switzerland.
• Quality of the surgeons and radiologists.

Besides, the quality of the clinics and hospitals offering proton therapy is also impressive. The proton therapy clinics are well-equipped with all kinds of necessities as well as safety measures to ensure complete safety to not only the candidates but also the medical professionals.

Almost every clinic in Switzerland is well-known for the exceptional treatment it offers. Besides the uncompromised treatment facility, the candidate is also blessed with beautiful sceneries as the location of the hospitals are determined wisely, keeping in mind the therapeutic benefits of the nature and of course, the Swiss Alps.

Proton Therapy in Malaysia

Proton therapy cost in Malaysia is counted among the most affordable treatments offered around the globe. This is the prime reason for hundreds of candidates travelling to Malaysia to avail uncompromised treatment facilities to the candidates. Apart from the traditional radiotherapies offered, proton therapy in Malaysia has been given an upper-hand. This is because of the exceptional success rate of the procedure compiled with the lesser side effects noticed on the candidates who have already availed the offer.

The treatment facility is offered in a selected number of clinics which makes it a less-frequently available procedure to the candidates. However, the few clinics that offer the procedure make sure the medical benefits are uncompromised. The clinics are spread over hundreds of acres of land which ensures a separate unit for proton therapy offered. The proton therapy units in Malaysia have been built with extreme precision and care by taking acre of all the necessary precautions. This is one of the biggest reasons why many candidates opt for proton therapy in Malaysia. Besides, the cost of proton therapy in Malaysia has been approximated to be $13978 which is far more affordable than the major countries in the world.

Which are the top destinations across the world which offer Proton Therapy?

Proton therapy is still an active topic for research. Researchers are investing ample time and fund in the project to make the therapy more accurate and successful and better available for the ones in need. The reason for comparatively lesser people opting for proton therapy is the expense of the procedure, which makes it difficult to afford for the common mass. Besides, in order to be able to provide proton therapy, the hospitals need advanced infrastructure and equipment to ensure the safety of both the candidates and the professionals. This requires added investment, which cannot be afforded by many developing countries. However, some of the developed as well as developing countries have come up with exceptional infrastructure specifically built to house proton therapy devices. Besides, after decades of providing treatment facility, these clinics have earned global attention for cancer treatments. This has made thousands of tourists opt the countries for availing proton therapy. apart from the above-mentioned top destinations across the world, other countries which offer proton therapy are:

JAPAN

Japan is counted among the most developed countries in the world. Whether it is in terms of technological advancements, education or healthcare, Japan has always maintained an incomparable stature on the global platform. Japan holds credit to a number of innovations, trials and productions owing to which it has emerged as one of the topmost destinations in many cases. Thus, for cancer treatment, the country has embraced proton therapy with open arms and has been treating candidates with the procedure for years. The country has come up with two well-equipped medical facilities meant for clinical trials using proton beams. The clinics which successfully tried and tested the therapy are the Particle Radiation Medical Science Center (PARMS), University of Tsukuba and the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Chiba.

Proton beam therapy in Japan is implemented in such cases where the traditional surgery or other types of radiotherapy fail to work. Malignancy detected in the prostate, liver, as well as cervical cancer, optical cancer, brain and pediatric cancers are treated with the help of proton beam therapy. Proton therapy cost in Japan varies as per the area affected, the clinic where treatment is being availed from, the surgeons performing the procedure and the extent of treatment required.

MEXICO

Mexico is not only famous for the delicacies but also for the advanced healthcare treatment facilities available there. One of the biggest reasons why most people opt for Mexico as a top destination for proton beam therapy is the wide number of options available there. There are several clinics to choose from, which ensures better choice of options of not only the treatment facility but the surgeons and the radiologists. The medical professionals are highly skilled and are well-equipped with necessary knowledge. They are trained and have duly attained years of training in the field.

Some of the most popular clinics for providing proton therapy are the TrueBeam Radiotherapy System and the CyberKnife. Both the cancer treatment clinics have been implementing proton beam therapy with high success rates. These clinics and multispecialty hospitals are recognized for housing exceptionally qualified medical staffs who are appreciated for their warmth and approach to different complications, if any arises. Thus, the

INDONESIA

Medical treatment in Indonesia is affordable compared to other countries across the world. Indonesia not only offers advanced medical benefits to the candidates, but also is known for the high success rates in treating tumors whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous. The country offers a wide range of options to the candidates to treat tumors. However, with the advent of advanced radiation technologies, Indonesia has welcomed proton therapy with open arms. Some of the topmost clinics and multispecialty hospitals are known to be thoroughly equipped with the necessary amenities required for providing the high energy therapy. Among the list of clinics, the RSU Bunda has attained appreciation from the candidates who have received treatment procedures from the clinic. The reason being the high success rate of the clinic in curing tumors and preventing metastasis to a great extent. The candidates have expressed high satisfaction from the treatment they have received. Besides, the surgeons and the radiologists are known to work in supremely efficient teams in order to study the candidates and offer umpteenth care to the candidates. Proton therapy cost in Indonesia has thus been estimated to be approximately $30,000. However, considering various factors, the cost may also exceed $135,000.

SOUTH KOREA

South Korea has a massive reputation in the healthcare sector especially because of the advanced technologies it implements. The country is well-recognized for the standard of treatment offered to the candidates. Besides plastic surgery, the country is also appreciated for welcoming robotic technology in several niche. Likewise, South Korea has also introduced proton therapy to the cancer patients not only to the native citizens but also the medical tourists. South Korea offers high energy beam therapy in an affordable price range which makes the medical tourists travel to the country from all corners of the world. Among the various places, Seoul happens to be the biggest hub for availing radiation therapy. the prestigious Daehang Hospital which is located in Seoul has been highly appreciated for the quality of proton beam therapy offered. Besides, the surgeons and radiology specialists the clinics in Seoul houses are also appreciated for their warm behavior, treatment and thorough guidance provided by them.

The only drawback in accessing the treatment is the lesser number of hospitals that offer proton therapy. This is also because, installing proton therapy centers require high amount of investment and advanced infrastructure, which cannot be afforded by many centers. However, studies have provided an estimation that the proton therapy market is going to rise manifolds within the time period of 2016 to 2022. This is because there is a steep rise in the number of potential candidates who are eligible for proton therapy treatment. Hence, the last five years have witnessed several research centers, besides the hospitals, investing in the development of proton therapy centers.

Which are the best hospitals and clinics which offer Proton Therapy?

The success rate of Proton Therapy depends a lot on the clinic from where the candidate choses to opt for the treatment. This is because, many hospitals charge high cost for the procedure but compromise on the treatment offered due to lack of the facilities offered. However, there are scores of hospitals which are globally recognized for the uncompromised medical benefits offered. Especially in case of proton therapy, necessary protocols need to be maintained to ensure higher success rate. Some of such hospitals are:

Proton Therapy Center of Dr. Berezin Medical Institute (MIBS), Saint Petersburg:

MIBS is globally recognized for the implementation of the Variation Probeam System. The institute is well-known for the wide range of treatment facilities it offers to both adults and children. The institution has come up with a proton therapy department as recent as 2017, but has quickly gained grounds. the present day witnesses the institute admitting above 800 candidates who are either from Russia or various ither countries like Canada, Israel, Australia, Kuwait and Great Britain. The proton therapy department here in the MIBS is known to house specialists who offer the necessary guidance required to understand the procedure.

The proton beam therapy center of MIBS has reached the peak of success by the implementation of two distinct ways of proton delivery to the targeted tumor in order to ensure maximum destruction. Adopting and excelling in two ways of proton delivery gives better option to the surgeons and the specialists to decide and opt for the better procedure for the candidate. This is because, different types of tumors have different demands and different candidates need to be treated differently. Thus, the two types of delivery system implemented by the department are:

• Pencil Beam Scanning
• Passive Scattering

After through research and intensive studying, the former has been found to be more effective and thus, has higher implementation than the latter.

University Hospital Essen, Germany

University Hospital Essen, Germany is one of the most supreme and advanced centers for proton beam therapy. Offering some of the best packages in proton beam therapy cost, the center has emerged as one of the topmost proton therapy centers in the world. What makes the hospital so special, is the fact that it specializes in both adult and pediatric oncology treatments. Thus, some of the diseases which are treated with the help of proton therapy are:

Pediatric Oncopathological diseases: In cases, where malignant tumors are detected in major organs or tissues in children who are younger than 5 years age. These include:

• Spinal Tumors
• Tumors detected in the Central Nervous System
• Craniofacial Tumors or Parameningeal Tumors
• Pelvic Tumors

Adult Oncopathological diseases: Tumors detected in or around major tissues among adults can be treated with proton therapy. Such cases are:

• Chordomas detected in the pelvic organs, spine or base of the skull. Also known as chondrosarcomas.
• Glioblastomas
• Craniopharyngiomas
• Gliomas of Stage I or Stage II
• Nasopharyngeal cancer
• Cancer detected in salivary gland
• Glomus tumors
• Germinomas, Ependymomas, ependymomas
• Paranasal sinus cancers
• Prostate cancer
• Meningiomas
• Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas

Supervised by Prof. Dr. med. Beate Timmermann, the department is praised for offering full range treatment in proton therapy. Due to the supremely qualified medical staff it houses, the department has emerged as one of the most progressive medical facilities in the country, welcoming candidates from all across the world. The proton therapy unit of the University Hospital Essen is also furnished with a total of 4 therapeutic rooms each meant for distinct proton modalities. Every room is also equipped with all kinds of image guidance MRI, X-ray as well as CT scan.

Proton Therapy Center Prague, Czech Republic

The Proton Therapy Center Prague offers some of the most distinguished form of treatment facilities. The hospital has five distinct specialized rooms for offering treatment to house all types of proton therapy. Besides, it also has a distinct room for eye tumors. The hospital is also praised for the high standards it maintains for offering patient care. The department also has cutting-edge technology which allows the specialists to get a clear picture and understand the actual shape, size and position of the tumor in question. 4D imaging systems are implemented for the purpose which allows the doctors to have a comprehensive understanding of the same and thus, proceed with enhanced accuracy.

Thus, some of the cases where proton therapy is offered in the Proton Therapy Center Prague are:

• Different types of brain cancers
• Pilocytic Astrocytoma
• Non-pilocytic gliomas
• Pituitary Adenomas
• Meningiomas
• Chondrosarcomas
• Gastrointestinal Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Oesophageal Cancer
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma
• Breast Cancer
• Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (STAGE I, IIA, STAGE IIB, IIIA, STAGE IIIB)
• Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Neck, head and orofacial tumors
• Different Types of pediatric cancers
• Prostate Cancer

Cincinnati Children’s Pediatric Proton Therapy Center / Proton Therapy at University Of Cincinnati Medical Center, Liberty Township, OH

Although recognized as a hospital specializing in pediatric treatments, the Cincinnati Children’s Pediatric Proton Therapy Center offers proton therapy to adults alike. Candidates both adult or children suffering from tumors which cannot be treated successfully by surgical procedures or radiology are hereby treated with the help of proton beam therapy. The hospital is however appreciated for the high success rate achieved in case of pediatric treatments. Every year, hundreds of candidates both native and foreign are witnessed to travel to the country to avail treatment from specialists, which is why, the hospital has also achieved global recognition. It is known to offer all types of proton therapy which gives to the surgeon enough room to provide distinguished treatment as per the demand of the candidate. Thus, the kind of tumors treated in the Cincinnati Children’s Pediatric Proton Therapy Center are:

• Pediatric Cancers
• Medulloblastoma
• High-grade gliomas
• Craniopharyngioma
• Germ cell tumors
• Soft tissue sarcoma
• Ependymoma
• Ewing’s sarcoma
• Esthesioneuroblastomas
• Prostate cancer
• Nephroblastoma
• Neuroblastoma
• Malignant lymphomas and several other types of tumors

Who are the best medical specialists who can perform Proton Therapy?

Proton Beam Therapy, though seems simple, is a complex process and requires a lot of expertise. Since it uses extreme focusing technology to concentrate high energy particles to a targeted area, the individual performing the procedure has to proceed with extreme precaution and concentration. The beam is focused on the area where the cell mass needs to be destroyed. Thus, any deviation from the point of target will cause damage of the neighboring tissue or organs thereby causing irreparable damage. Thus, finding the right doctor is equally important as it is finding the right clinic. Such specialists are well-trained to understand and distinguish the candidate’s requirements. This is an important step as every candidate will be requiring a specific mode of treatment and the surgeon has to well-curate the therapy before proceeding with it. Thorough diagnosis and in-detail study of the condition of the patient also needs to be understood before deciding the extent of the procedure. This is done to prevent any chance of future complication. Thus, here are some of the best medical specialists who can perform proton therapy and have been graced with high success rates:

• Safia K. Ahmed, M.D.
• Samir H. Patel, M.D.
• William G. Rule, M.D.
• C. Richard Choo, M.D.
• Aman Anand, Ph. D
• Lauren A. Dalvin, M.D.
• Paul D. Brown, M.D.
• Brian J. Davis, M.D. Ph. D.
• Jean Claude M. Rwigema, M.D.
• Jiajian Shen, Ph.D.

Although scientists are still researching on how to make proton therapy more efficient, cost-effective and widely applicable, the treatment has already gained grounds. almost every country has established a proton therapy unit not only for the native citizens but also the medical tourists travelling from different corners of the world. This is because, there are several advantages to the therapy over the other procedures. The advantages are:

• Proton Therapy is highly precise which ensures enhanced accuracy and thus, higher success rate.
• It has low risks of radiation. This means, the candidates are exposed to the radiation for a fair period of time which is very less than the other procedures.
• The therapy can be used to treat a number of cancers, especially in cases where tumors are detected in delicate tissues and major organs and involves high risk.
• Allows people to continue with the regular lifestyle. Since the therapy involves very few side effects, the candidates can continue with household chores as well as work even after undergoing the sessions.
• The therapy offers higher accuracy. One of the prime reasons for investing in proton therapy is the high accuracy in the treatment offered. The facility is ideal for accessing such tumors which cannot be treated otherwise. However, with proton treatment, the tumors can be easily destroyed without damaging the neighboring tissues or organs.
• Researches have thus been going on to make the treatment a universal alternative to various other life-threatening anomalies. This will not only lower the mortality rate, but also will prove to be a breakthrough in the field of science.