Proton Therapy Shows Promise In Prostate Cancer Treatment
The founder and lead surgeon of Southlake Oncology talks about this relatively new form of therapy.
- (1888PressRelease) February 22, 2016 - Southlake, TX - Men who face more aggressive forms of prostate cancer that would benefit from equally aggressive treatments may find a relatively new form of therapy offers them a way to kill cancer while keeping side effect risks down. Proton therapy is proving itself in studies to provide an effective way to treat the disease while sparing a greater amount of healthy nearby tissue from damage.
Proton therapy is similar to traditional radiotherapy in that it uses a beam of radiation to kill cancer cells efficiently and effectively. Unlike traditional radiotherapy, however, proton beams provide the ability to be much more precise about the delivery of radiation. That means it is easier for clinicians to avoid damaging nerves and other tissue in the quest to fight cancer.
"For men facing prostate cancer treatment, the potential for side effects is very troublesome," says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Southlake Oncology, a Choice Cancer Center. "Impotence, incontinence and bowel damage are all risks men face with traditional treatments. While proton therapy is no guarantee that side effects will be avoided, it has been shown to lower those risks while providing highly effective treatment of prostate cancer."
Proton therapy has been shown in studies to effectively treat a variety of different cancers. This treatment method, however, is not yet widely available due to the costs associated with equipment and the space needed to house proton beam technology. As the benefits of proton beam therapy become more widely known and proven, however, researchers are working hard to develop more cost-effective and space efficient designs.
Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to discuss all treatment options, benefits and risks with their healthcare providers. The best treatment option will depend on a man's unique case.
About Southlake Oncology
Southlake Oncology, located in the Southlake and Grapevine area is a community-focused oncology practice that delivers exceptional care to North Texas cancer patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses and blood disorders. Like the other Choice Cancer Care facilities, we are an independent treatment center that is physician-owned.
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