Many people with breast cancer will have Radiation therapy is done. as part of their treatment. A benefit of Radiation therapy is done. is that it can destroy cancer cells within a specific area. But in the process, it can affect nearby healthy tissue.

External beam Radiation therapy is done., also known as pheochran therapy, is a type of therapy that can lower the risk of damage to surrounding tissue. This can help prevent radiation damage to your lungs and heart if you have breast cancer.

In this article, we will discuss when and how to use proton therapy, and answer some questions about it.

Radiation therapy uses beams to destroy cancer cells.

In traditional Radiation therapy is done., also known as photon therapy, the energy comes from X-rays. These beams pass through the tumor and continue on, which can sometimes harm nearby healthy tissues and organs. In breast cancer treatment, this can damage heart or lung tissue.

More precise targeting may help reduce tissue damage

More precise targeting can be achieved with the use of pano therapy. Doctors can choose a specific stopping point since it uses protons instead of X-rays. They can concentrate the beams on the tumors without affecting the underlying tissue.

As a result, proton therapy may reduce the risk of damage to the heart and lungs, according to 2018 research. This may be particularly helpful if you have cancer on your left side, closer to your heart.

It is possible that breast cancer may be treated with a therapy called pheton therapy.

Traditional radiation vs. proton therapy

Both traditional and proton Radiation therapy is done. kill cancer cells. The difference is in the way it is done. Radiation therapy can damage healthy tissue and organs.

The therapy stops when the tumor stops. There is less chance of damage to healthy tissue, including the heart and lungs, since radiation does not exit the tumor.

Research from 2018 suggests that breast cancer patients most likely to benefit from proton therapy over traditional Radiation therapy is done. are those expected to have higher doses to the heart.

Factors that may increase the amount of radiation to the heart are listed.

  • There are tumors on the left side.
  • There are tumors in the inner quadrant.
  • A person is having a mastectomy.
  • receiving Radiation therapy is done. to regional lymph nodes

If you are at high risk of heart disease, your doctor may recommend proton therapy.

Treatment typically involves multiple therapies

Multiple therapies are usually used in breast cancer treatment. These may include:

Factors that influence your treatment plan

Your doctor will present a treatment plan based on your factors.

Research from 2017 suggests that proton therapy is safer and possibly more effective than traditional Radiation therapy is done..

A 2018 study followed 42 people who had proton therapy after a mastectomy for non-metastatic breast cancer. After almost 3 years of median follow-up, the overall survival rate was 97.2 percent. This is equivalent to outcomes with traditional Radiation therapy is done..

A phase 2 study published in 2019 found that proton therapy for breast cancer has a similar rate of disease control as traditional Radiation therapy is done..

There are still studies that need to be done.

Getting proton therapy is very similar to getting traditional Radiation therapy is done..

The outpatient procedure takes just a few minutes, but you’ll probably be in the procedure room for about 30 minutes. It’s usually administered five times a week for up to 6 weeks, the same as traditional Radiation therapy is done..

The radiation therapist will mark your skin prior to treatment. Future treatments will be guided by these markings.

“It is an open machine, so you won’t feel left out. The therapist will deliver the treatment in the control room if you are properly positioned. The treatment is painless, but you need to remain still.”

“The therapist can communicate with you through an intercom and let you know when it’s okay to move. You will be able to leave as soon as it is over.”

The side effects of traditional radiation are similar to those of proton therapy. These may include:

  • skin is tender
  • That redness is similar to a sunburn.
  • fatigue

Research from 2018 suggests that proton therapy has a favorable toxicity profile.

A 2020 study found that people who had proton therapy experienced “far fewer” serious side effects than those who had traditional Radiation therapy is done..

Twelve percent of the group had a side effect that was severe enough to require hospitalization within 90 days. That is lower than the traditional radiation group.

It will take longer to investigate long-term adverse effects.

Is proton therapy more effective than traditional Radiation therapy is done.?

Both types of Radiation therapy is done. are effective. Research from 2017 suggests that proton therapy may be a bit more effective. Over time, researchers may learn more about the long-term effectiveness of one over the other.

Is proton therapy safer than traditional Radiation therapy is done.?

The risk of radiation damage to healthy tissues may be lower if the beams do not continue past the tumor site. If you have breast cancer, you can reduce the chance of damage to the heart and lungs.

This may be especially important if you’re at high risk of heart disease. More long-term studies of traditional versus proton Radiation therapy is done. are needed.

Is proton therapy used for other types of cancer?

A variety of other cancers can be treated with protons. These include:

Is proton therapy covered by health insurance?

Medicare and some other insurance providers cover all or a portion of the cost of proton therapy. Not all do, though. It’s important to check with your insurance provider before starting therapy so that you’re not caught off guard.

“Your doctor’s office can help determine if your policy covers proton therapy.”

Where can you get proton therapy?

It may be difficult to find a hospital that offers proton therapy in some areas. If there is a location near you, your team can let you know.

Proton therapy is an advanced type of external beam Radiation therapy is done.. It delivers high-dose radiation directly to cancer cells.

It’s more precise than traditional Radiation therapy is done., so it’s less likely to harm nearby tissues and organs. When treating breast cancer, proton therapy may lower the risk of heart or lung damage. Side effects can include skin is tender, redness, and tiredness.

The experience is similar to getting traditional Radiation therapy is done. and is generally just one part of your overall treatment plan.

“If your doctor recommends radiation for breast cancer, you should ask if it’s a good option.”