- What is proton therapy?
Proton therapy is a form of external beam radiation treatment. The proton beams are generated from powerful equipment. Physicians and physicists use proton beam to deliver high doses of radiation to a tumor, sparing normal surrounding normal tissues.
- How is proton therapy different from conventional radiation?
In traditional radiation treatments, high energy X-rays are used to treat cancer. The X-ray beam passes through the body to reach the cancerous tumor, affecting both normal and cancerous cells along the path of the beam. In proton therapy, a proton beam enters the body and deposits all of its energy at the tumor (target), minimizing damage to surrounding normal tissues and structures.
- When is McLaren Proton Therapy Center going to be open?
The center is scheduled to be operational by late 2013.
- How can I contact the Proton Therapy Center?
You can contact the center by calling 1-855-MY-PROTON.
- Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No, a doctor’s referral is not required to schedule an appointment. You can contact the center directly. For information: Call toll free: 1-855- MY-PROTON
- What are the side effects from proton therapy?
There are very minimal side effects, compared to conventional radiation therapy. Patients tolerate proton therapy much more easily than standard radiation therapy
- Does proton therapy work concurrently with chemotherapy?
Yes, depending on the diagnosis, proton therapy may be used concurrently with chemotherapy.
- What types of cancer are treated with proton therapy?
Proton therapy is effective in treating many solid tumors like Head and Neck, Brain, Chordoma, Base of Skull, Lung, Esophagus, Liver, Pancreas, Prostate, Sarcoma, Pediatric Tumors, Spinal Cord and other rare types of tumor that has not spread to other parts of the body.
- Why should I choose the McLaren Proton Treatment Center?
Mclaren Proton Therapy Center utilizes state-of-art technology. In addition to using pencil beam and Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy for patient treatment, it is currently the only center in the world that uses Cone beam CT for precise localization. Also, it is the only center that is capable of producing proton 330 MeV which will be used for proton tomography.
- Is proton therapy experimental?
No, proton therapy is not experimental. It has been used in the United States and around the world for more than 50 years. It is an accepted form of treatment that is widely accepted by physicians and insurers.
- Can children receive proton therapy?
Yes. The ability to precisely target tumors makes proton therapy ideal for treating pediatric cancers. It provides accurate treatment of tumors near or within sensitive organs while limiting radiation exposure to healthy tissues, which is vital in children whose bodies are still growing and developing.
- Am I going to be eligible for clinical trial trials?
Depending on your stage and diagnosis, your physician will make every effort to match you to an appropriate clinical trial