Proton Therapy

The following diagnostic tests are recommended before a proton therapy procedure:

1. Physical examination: The doctor evaluates the physical health of the patient. The patient’s medical history and symptoms are noted 
2. Imaging tests: Imaging tests like MRI scans and CT scans may be performed to obtain clear images of the suspected organ having a tumor.
3. Endoscopy: A tube with a camera on one end (endoscope) is used by the doctor to examine the organ internally.
4. Blood tests: These tests help in detecting any medical disorders that may be present.
5. Biopsy: The suspected tissue growth is surgically removed and sent to the laboratory for evaluation under the microscope. This helps in confirming if there are cancer cells present and the type of cancer cells that may be present.

• Proton therapy sessions are usually done five days a week for several weeks. Although in certain cases, one or few proton therapy sessions may be needed.
• Weekly CT scans may be required to check if the radiation dose given to the patient needs to be changed based on the changes seen in the size, shape, or weight of the tumor.
• The patient is first placed in his/her correct position according to the body markings made and with the help of imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans.
• Once the patient is in his/her correct position, the doctor and his team leave the operating room and go to an adjacent room, where they can monitor the patient and can still hear and see the patient.
• A machine called a gantry directs the proton beams at precise points on the body of the patient.
• Since the radiation source is from a machine outside the body, proton therapy is referred to as a type of external beam radiation therapy.
• The noise made by the gantry machine when it is turned on and delivers the proton therapy dose can be heard by the patient.
• The patient can however not feel anything when the radiation is being given.
• Each proton therapy session lasts for a few minutes. Although the entire procedure along with the preparation may take about 30 to 45 minutes.

Proton therapy may be associated with the following complications:

• Fatigue
• Loss of hair around the treatment area
• Skin redness around the treatment area
• Soreness around the treatment area
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea vomiting
• Digestion problems 

• Most patients can go home on the same day following proton therapy.
• Some patients may develop side effects such as skin irritation and fatigue sometime after proton therapy sessions.
• Initially the patient may only have a few side effects. But, after several treatment sessions, the patient may have extreme fatigue.
• The patient may notice redness in the area where proton beams have been directed.
• Regular follow-ups and periodic imaging tests are recommended during and after proton therapy to check if cancer responds to treatment.