Proton Therapy May Help Treat Esophageal Cancer
The founder and lead surgeon of Southlake Oncology talks about this relatively new form of therapy.
- (1888PressRelease) January 27, 2016 - Helping patients effectively fight esophageal cancer while lowering side effect risks is a concern for many healthcare professionals. A relatively new form of treatment, known as proton beam therapy, may deliver the benefits doctors have been seeking. According to a new study, the treatment holds up well in its abilities to kill cancer cells while also decreasing risks for side effects in esophageal cancer patients.
"Proton therapy is beginning to come into its own as its popularity around the globe rises thanks to the benefits numerous studies are starting to reveal," says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Southlake Oncology, a Choice Cancer Center. "This form of therapy is similar to traditional radiation, but it relies on proton beams to deliver cancer-killing radiation. Designed to offer highly targeted dosing, its precision enables clinicians to spare a greater amount of nearby, healthy tissue from irradiation as tumors are treated."
In regard to esophageal cancer, proton therapy is proving to be a solid option. A recent study conducted at the University of Maryland focused on 600 patients with the disease. The researchers found that those treated with proton therapy not only had positive treatment results, but also presented with a lower incidence rate of side effects, such as appetite loss and nausea.
"While more study is required in regard to esophageal cancer and proton therapy, the initial findings are quite positive," Dr. Echt says. "This form of therapy is gaining popularity around the world because of the precision it delivers and the resulting ability to spare healthy tissue from damage."
People who are diagnosed with esophageal cancer are urged to discuss all treatment options with their healthcare providers. The best recommendation will depend on the unique case at hand.
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