Proton Therapy For Prostate Cancer

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you need to know what options are available for treatment. Talking to a prostate cancer specialist can be the first step to finding what can work best for your situation. In this article I’ll be specifically talking about the benefits of proton therapy for prostate cancer, and how it can make a world of difference when treating cancer.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is caused by abnormal cells that build up on the prostate. These cells then grow and form a malignancy. If prostate cancer is left untreated it has the potential to metastasize into other body parts, such as the bones or lymph nodes; in can even spread to the rectum or bladder in some instances. Treating prostate cancer quickly and effectively is of the utmost importance to insure no further issues can arise.

Proton Therapy for Cancer

When it comes to looking a prostate cancer treatment, consider non-invasive proton therapy. This is a relatively new option when it comes to the treatment of cancers, but it has multiple benefits that make it superior to standard radiation treatment options. Proton radiation therapy has a precision control to target cancerous growths and tissue, that other options do not. It is able to easily target and kill off cancerous cells without the risk of damaging healthy tissue and unaffected organs.
Research has found that in 99% low risk, 94% medium risk, and 74% high risk cases of men with prostate cancer, who have been treated with proton therapy, had no signs of recurrence within 5 years after treatment. I would highly recommend speaking with your prostate cancer specialist to see if this treatment method would work for you.

What Are Specific Benefits of Proton Therapy

This type of cancer treatment as numerous benefits that traditional methods do not. A few of them can include:

• It is a non-invasive procedure, and is completely painless to patients.
• It is capable of more accurately targeting cancer cells. This means higher levels of radiation can be administered, without the risk of damaging neighboring cells and tissue. It also lowers the risk of secondary cancers developing due to radiation exposure to healthy organs and tissue.
• Outpatient treatment is available, so you won’t have to stay in the hospital for the duration of the therapy. This means you can continue doing the things you love while getting the treatment you need.
• No recovery time is required with this type of therapy.
• There is also a minimal risk of impotence as compared to standard radiation therapy treatments. Studies have reported that prostate cancer patients, using proton treatment have a significantly reduced risk of becoming impotent. 94% of patients say they remained sexually active after receiving the treatment.

I will remind you to speak with your prostate cancer specialist for a full run down of how this therapy can benefit you, and if you would be a good candidate for it.


This treatment is an amazing option that you should know about if you, or someone you know has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Not only does it come with significantly less risk than standard radiation treatments, but it can improve quality of life during and after the treatment. It is available as an outpatient procedure, with a typical treatment session taking only about 15 to 45 minutes, with the protons taking only about a minute or two to administer. As stated above, because this method is precision control, you can have peace of mind that only the necessary areas are being targeted, as opposed to a standard treatment where x-rays can affect whole parts of the body leading to secondary problems in the future.

We’ve all known someone who’s been affected by cancer, whether it is a loved one, a friend, or even ourselves. Being able to trust in the treatment you are receiving, and having the peace of mind that it is the best option for you, can make a world of difference both mentally and physically. Consider all of your options and have a serious conversation with you prostate cancer specialist to see if proton radiation therapy will work for you.