Disadvantages Of Proton Beam Therapy

This is true even if the dose is the same as in conventional therapy.

Disadvantages of proton beam therapy.

What are the disadvantages of proton therapy. Proton therapy is not appropriate for every type of cancer. Proton radiotherapy is here to stay. Proton treatment center built to date opened amid.

It is best suited for cancers in sensitive areas where other treatments might damage surrounding healthy cells. These cancers can be difficult to treat with standard radiotherapy or surgery. Despite the high initial cost the number of proton therapy machines in the united states and elsewhere is increasing rapidly 1 the major questions now relate to defining and optimizing their appropriate use. In 2010 a report issued by the ecri institute concluded that proton therapy was only appropriate in about 15 of all cancer cases.

This is because there is less damage to normal cells. Proton therapy carries a lower risk of undesirable side effects as it limits the damage to normal healthy tissue. This past august hampton va university opened the doors on a 225 million proton beam therapy center. For example loss of hair on the head may occur when proton therapy is used for brain cancer and hair loss on the chest may occur with proton therapy for lung cancer.

There are no comparative studies. This may not be a concern for a patient covered by medical insurance but it can sometimes cause problems with an insurance company. The facility the most expensive u s. Hair loss may occur in the region in which proton beam therapy is given is common.

List of the cons of proton therapy. Proton beam therapy may cause fewer side effects than standard radiotherapy. Dosing levels can be inconsistent. No studies exist that appropriately compare proton therapy to traditional therapy options for treating cancer.