Proton Therapy
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that uses positively charged particles, or protons to precisely target tumors.
Powerful and Precise Radiation What is Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy, also called proton radiation or proton beam therapy, is a type of radiation treatment that uses protons — positively charged particles — instead of X-rays.
Unlike traditional radiation, proton radiation releases most of its energy directly inside the tumor and then stops, which helps reduce damage to nearby healthy tissue and critical organs. And because protons release most of their energy inside the tumor and then stop, they deliver no exit dose, unlike X-rays, which pass through the body. That means fewer side effects, especially for tumors near sensitive structures like the brain, spine, heart, or eyes.
We use pencil beam scanning (PBS), also known as intensity-modulated proton therapy, the most precise and advanced method of delivering proton therapy available today.
Unlike many centers that offer older techniques, PBS technology “paints” the tumor spot by spot and layer by layer, shaping the dose to match the tumor’s exact size, shape, and depth. This level of accuracy helps protect nearby healthy tissue and critical organs. PBS is not available at all proton centers, but it is the standard of care here.
Is Proton Therapy Better Than Standard Radiation?
Proton therapy may offer advantages over standard X-ray radiation for certain patients because it delivers radiation directly to the tumor with less exposure to nearby healthy tissues. This often results in fewer potential side effects, especially for tumors near critical organs. However, it is not always the best option for every cancer type, so doctors evaluate each case individually.
Who Is a Candidate for Proton Therapy Treatment?
We provide patients with the latest proton treatment technology, delivered by the renowned specialists at Winship Cancer Institute. Patients benefit from extensive and multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment, access to clinical trials, and other advanced therapies and approaches.
The best way to determine if proton therapy is a good treatment option for you is to meet one of our radiation oncologists in consultation or be seen in one of our multi-disciplinary clinics. During a consultation visit, your doctor will work with you to develop an overall plan of care, discuss all radiation treatment options, including proton therapy, discuss the details of treatment, including the potential risks and side effects, and answer questions.
Our multidisciplinary team will look at your case, compare the benefits and risks of different treatment options, and then recommend what may work best for you.
What is Proton Therapy Used for?
Proton therapy is used for treating a wide spectrum of solid tumors, particularly in cases where maximum precision is required to spare healthy surrounding tissues and critical organs. The primary candidates for proton therapy are often tumors that are:
- Located near sensitive structures (e.g., the brain, spine, heart, eyes)
- Occurring in children (pediatric cases)
- Tumors that require re-treatment after a previous course of radiation
The most critical step in determining if proton therapy is right for you is a consultation with our team to discuss your specific cancer type and treatment goals.
Why Choose Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy offers several important advantages over traditional radiation, especially when precision, safety, and long-term quality of life matter. At Emory Proton Therapy Center, we use pencil beam scanning, the most advanced method available, to deliver treatment with sub-millimeter accuracy while minimizing harm to healthy tissue.
Additional benefits include:
- Fewer side effects during treatment
- Better quality of life during and after treatment
- Lower risk of long-term side effects
- A safer option for children
- Effective for complex or sensitive tumors
- An option for recurrent tumors
- Less radiation to healthy tissue
What to Expect During Proton Therapy Treatment
Preparation and Planning for Proton Therapy
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation where we review your medical history and discuss whether proton therapy is the right fit for you. Next, we will guide you through a simulation using advanced imaging, like a CT or MRI scan, to map out a personalized treatment plan with exceptional precision.
This preparation phase also includes a thorough conversation about what to expect during treatment, including any possible side effects. Our team is here to ensure you’re informed, supported, and confident moving forward.
Treatment Process and Timeline
Proton therapy is typically delivered over several weeks. Each daily session lasts about 30 minutes, though the actual treatment only takes a few minutes. Most of your time is spent carefully positioning you to ensure pinpoint accuracy.
Throughout your treatment, you will have weekly check-ins with your care team to monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments. Regular imaging and quality checks help ensure the treatment stays precisely on target.
Side Effects of Proton Therapy and Managing Them
One of the key advantages of proton therapy is its ability to reduce side effects compared to traditional radiation. However, side effects vary based on the location and type of tumor.
During your initial consultation, we will talk through any risks and help you understand what to expect. As you go through treatment, our compassionate team will be by your side to help manage any side effects and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.