Following radiation treatment, some tumors may unfortunately recur in the same spot as before. Retreating these tumors with conventional photon therapy can expose nearby organs to yet more radiation—which is a big problem, since the human body can only tolerate a certain amount of radiation over a lifetime.
In contrast, proton therapy deposits very little radiation into nearby organs. So it is ideal for retreating a tumor that has recurred and can offer many patients a new potential chance at cure.
The clinical staff at the New York Proton Center includes Dr. Charles B. Simone, one of the world’s foremost experts in treating cancer recurrences.