Proton therapy allows for effective treatment of
breast cancer while delivering a lower dose of radiation to normal, adjacent structures such as the heart and lungs, leading to fewer side effects and potentially better outcomes.
Fewer side effects with proton therapy
Proton beam therapy does not have any exit dose, which means radiation exposure to healthy organs and tissues is minimized with proton therapy. When treating breast cancer with proton therapy, this is particularly beneficial for women with left-sided breast cancer, where exit dose may impact the heart or lungs.
Keep in mind that conventional X-ray radiation therapy has become more refined for patients with breast cancer, allowing the radiation oncologist to shape the beam toward the target tissue and away from normal tissues. A special breath-holding technique is also available at Beaumont to further limit radiation dose to the heart and lungs. And with both conventional X-ray radiation therapy and proton radiation therapy, Beaumont’s
team of specialists use sophisticated imaging techniques to ensure patients are aligned perfectly for treatment, every day.
Learn more about how proton therapy works.
Effective treatment for recurrent breast cancers
For patients who have had radiation therapy before, proton therapy can deliver a maximized, focused dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to tissues and organs that may have previously received a significant radiation dose.
Learn more about what to expect during proton therapy treatment.
Find out if proton therapy is right for you
For some
breast cancer patients, proton therapy may still offer an advantage of X-ray therapy by minimizing dose to critical structures. During the planning phase of your treatment, your radiation oncologist will assess the potential impact and recommend the ideal treatment plan, which could include a combination of protons and conventional radiation therapy. Deciding which option is best depends on your cancer history, your anatomy, and a head-to-head comparison of treatment plans for X-ray therapy and proton therapy.
For more information about proton therapy for treating breast tumors, call to speak to a Proton Nurse Navigator at 248-551-8402.