These answers to frequently asked questions can help you decide whether proton therapy for recurrent cancer is right for you. You can also contact us directly for more information.
Proton therapy is a noninvasive treatment option for many cancers including:
The New York Proton Center treats more patients with radiation for recurrent cancer than any other proton center in the country. More than 40 percent of our patients come to our proton center for management of difficult-to-treat recurrent tumors, far exceeding the national average of 11 percent. Our renowned experts in this area have advanced the research and lead multiple national and international guideline papers on reirradiation.
More radiation focused directly to the tumor. Proton therapy aims a very high dose of radiation at the tumor—and only the tumor. There is no “exit dose” into the healthy tissues behind the tumor like there is with traditional radiation therapy.
Fewer side effects. Because proton therapy is so precise, there is less risk of short- and long-term side effects from radiation. Healthy tissues and organs near the tumor are better spared from unnecessary irradiation.
Pencil beam scanning enhances precision. The New York Proton Center utilizes pencil beam scanning, or intensity-modulated proton therapy, the most sophisticated and precise form of proton therapy available today. This technology uses an extremely narrow proton beam to precisely “paint” the protons onto the tumor to destroy the cancer cells’ DNA. It is especially useful when treating complex tumors including those that are irregularly shaped.
Download a pdf about proton therapy for recurrent cancer.
