Proton Therapy Produces Results in Prostate Cancer Treatment

The founder and lead surgeon of the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise talks about this alternative treatment. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) January 27, 2016 - Decatur, TX - Making sure men with prostate cancer receive potentially life-saving treatment while sparing them from possible side effects is a concern for many healthcare providers. Balancing the need to fight cancer with the importance of quality of life is no simple feat, however. Researchers are finding that proton therapy may offer an edge.

"Although proton therapy is similar to other forms of radiation, this relatively new treatment enables more precise targeting," explains Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise. "The precision can prove critical for ensuring effectiveness of treatment while helping reduce risks of collateral damage to nearby healthy tissue in the process."

A recent study published in the Journal of Radiation, Oncology, Biology showed very promising results for proton therapy in treatment of prostate cancer. A total of 211 participants took part in the study. The five-year survival rate was 93 percent for those with low-risk cancers, 88 percent for those with intermediate risks and 90 percent in the high-risk group. Researchers found that prostate cancer progression was stopped in its tracks and five-year freedom from progression rates were 99 percent for those in the low and intermediate risk categories.

"While the jury is still out on the benefits of proton therapy, the studies have also found toxicity rates to be lower in this form of treatment," says Dr. Echt. "Over time, this increasingly popular treatment option may prove itself capable of helping physicians adequately balance patient survival and quality of life."

Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to explore all their treatment options with their healthcare providers. The best recommendation will depend on a man's distinct case and the risk level associated with the tumor.

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