Targeting Brain Tumors with Proton Therapy
Every year, approximately 90,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumor according to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA). In addition, brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common cancer diagnosed in children aged 0-14 and are the leading cause of death among kids.
While great strides have been made in treating brain tumors, there is still more work needed to be done to improve long-term survival rates. On November 10, 2024, the ABTA’s 12th annual New York City Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K Run and Walk celebrated these gains and raised funds for vital research and patient support services. The New York Proton Center (NYPC) was thrilled to be a local sponsor of this uplifting event attended by more than 1,000 passionate supporters from throughout the community, including survivors and their family and friends, corporate teams, and healthcare professionals.
NYPC Radiation Oncologist Irini Yacoub, MD, was a speaker during a panel discussion that took place just prior to the start of the 5K. Dr. Yacoub, whose specialties include treatment of brain tumors, head and neck tumors, and prostate cancer, explained, “With proton therapy, we can better target brain tumors without harming nearby healthy and sensitive tissues in the brain.” She added, “This is because the proton beam deposits nearly all of its energy precisely inside the tumor, with no ‘exit dose’ behind it. Because of this precision, proton therapy can have a much lower risk of short- and long-term side effects such as neurological deficits and intellectual impairment.”
At the New York Proton Center, we treat patients with some of the most complex brain and CNS tumors. We also treat patients with recurrent brain tumors who have received radiation in the past. With proton therapy, we can deliver a second course of radiation more safely while sparing very critical organs that have been previously irradiated. We join the ABTA in advancing the treatment of these tumors and in providing essential care and resources for patients and their loved ones.