Radiation therapy is a common mode of treatment for all major malignancies. Sometimes it’s the only mode of treatment and sometimes it’s given before surgery or after surgery.

Whenever you give External beam radiation therapy, Photons are used as energy molecules to kill the cancer cells. One main problem, with such a powerful mode of therapy, is, also its power. The photons are so powerful, that they not only kill the cancer cells, their energy also injuries surrounding normal tissues. This is the reason, side effects occur after life-saving radiotherapy and are also its limitations. But proton therapy can be a solution to this problem.

Is proton therapy available in India?

Previously Sout East Asia had no dedicated centre for Proton Beam therapy. Also, the cost of treatment abroad was exorbitant. This is where South East Asia’s only Proton therapy Cancer centre brings us hope. Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is a ray of sunshine for people in India. A previously unavailable treatment option is now possible in India. The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre houses state of the art technology, superior infrastructure and excellent research facility, spread across a vast 4 acres in Chennai.

But before you understand, why this is a big deal, you need to know what is proton therapy.

What is Proton therapy?

Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation therapy where protons are the energy molecules used for treatment. The unique nature of these heavy subatomic particles(protons), make them rapidly lose energy after reaching the target.

How does Proton beam Radiation therapy work?

Proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT), uses the unique physical properties of protons ( Bragg Peak). The heavier subatomic particles can deliver their energy more precisely to the tumor, with less scattering to surrounding tissues.  At the end of its path, maximum energy is dissipated and negligible radiation passes on further.

Is proton therapy better than traditional radiation?

What does this mean?

This means that while cancer cells are killed, the damage to surrounding tissue is much less, unlike in traditional radiotherapy. Even with higher doses of radiation, the effect on normal tissue is much less which lowers the immediate and long term side effects.

What kind of malignancy is  Proton treatment useful for?

• Pediatric cases
• Head neck cancer: It is used both for primary treatment and adjuvant therapy for Head neck cancer
• Skull-base tumors
• Brain
• Lung
• Breast
• Liver
• Prostate
• It is recently showing promise in nasopharynx, oropharynx, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, periorbital tumors, skin, and salivary gland, or to reirradiation.
• Other cancers: like rectal, pancreatic, esophageal, lung breast cancer, prostate.
• For patients with Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin lymphoma PBT  has scope for consolidation therapy after chemotherapy.

 Why Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is a boon?

• Proton therapy finally available in India
• Groundbreaking treatment option for cancer
• Better quality of life after treatment
• More precise

Cons of Proton Therapy for Cancer:

• The cost
• More data regarding comparison studies needed, which will measure toxicity, disease control and post-treatment quality of life.

Where is the location of the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre?

Address:OMR  100 Feet Road, Taramani,

Chennai – 600113

Email:protontherapy@apollohospitals.com

Phone:+91 9840069381 | +91 44 33133333

website:www.apolloprotoncentre.com

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References:

Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2018 May 9;19(6):28. doi: 10.1007/s11864-018-0546-9.Proton Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer.Kim JK1, Leeman JE1, Riaz N1, McBride S1, Tsai CJ1, Lee NY2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29744681

Cancer J. 2014 Nov-Dec;20(6):421-6. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000077.The use of proton therapy in the treatment of head and neck cancers.Ahn PH1, Lukens JN, Teo BK, Kirk M, Lin A.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25415689

Lancet Oncol. 2017 May;18(5):e254-e265. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(17)30179-1. Epub 2017 Apr 26.Proton therapy for head and neck cancer: expanding the therapeutic window.Leeman JE1, Romesser PB1, Zhou Y2, McBride S1, Riaz N1, Sherman E3, Cohen MA4, Cahlon O1, Lee N5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28456587

Semin Radiat Oncol. 2018 Jan;28(1):53-63. doi: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2017.08.004.Proton Therapy for Head and Neck Cancers.Blanchard P1, Gunn GB2, Lin A3, Foote RL4, Lee NY5, Frank SJ6.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29173756

Curr Oncol Rep. 2010 May;12(3):202-7. doi: 10.1007/s11912-010-0089-0.Proton beam radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies.Frank SJ1, Selek U.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20425080

Disclaimer: This post is meant for spreading healthcare information and not meant as a replacement for a professional medical opinion. Always consult a medical professional before taking any decision related to health and healthcare. Healthcare information is a rapidly evolving field. While all attempts are made to keep this website updated, the author/s and or website disclaim all responsibility for any inadvertent omission/commission.   Read my full disclaimer.

Disclosure: This is an associated post, but all opinions regarding the mode of therapy are mine. I am a registered medical professional and all healthcare information I share are from my professional knowledge, experience, and research.