Proton Therapy For Breast Cancer In India

Proton Therapy For Breast Cancer In India: Advanced And Affordable Care

Is there a treatment option for breast cancer that’s both advanced and gentle on your body?

Yes, there is.

Proton therapy for breast cancer in India is changing the cancer care scene. It is an advanced and affordable treatment focusing only on the affected area. Because of its incredible precision in targeting cancer cells, it reduces damage to healthy tissues and lowers the chances of side effects.

Why does it matter?

Traditional radiation can harm surrounding organs but proton therapy focuses only on the affected area. This makes it a safer and more effective option. To help you understand this therapy better, we have brought together all the information you need to decide whether to opt for it.

We will also tell you why India is becoming a trusted destination for this innovative approach to treat breast cancer.

Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer in India

Hospitals and clinics in India have been offering proton therapy since 2019. Doctors are using it for the treatment of different types of cancer like central nervous system tumors, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and thoracic cancers.

Proton therapy’s demand has increased and as a result, its availability has grown in India. Factors that have impacted in this growing adoption:

• The first factor is rising cancer awareness. More patients and families are trying to find advanced treatment options for better outcomes for breast cancer or any other cancers.
• India has cancer treatment centers and hospitals that have advanced treatment facilities. 
• The treatments available here are cost-effective compared to developed countries which means patients can avail advanced world-class treatment within their budget.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in India. It’s early detection and effective treatment is the best way to fight it. Early detection and advanced and effective treatment also increase the survival rate and ensure the patient’s overall well-being. 

Proton therapy is the most preferred treatment option due to its targeted precision, fewer side effects, and personalized care.

What is Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer?

Proton therapy (or proton beam therapy) is a highly advanced form of radiation therapy. It uses high-energy protons (positively charged atoms) to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. Proton therapy damages the DNA of cancer cells and prevents them from multiplying. 

The best part about proton therapy is that it is non-invasive and painless. It delivers focused radiation to tumors with incredible precision. 

Traditional radiation therapy uses X-rays while proton therapy uses the properties of proton. These protons release their energy directly to the cancerous cells. This process spares surrounding healthy tissues and critical organs from unnecessary exposure. Because of this capability, proton therapy is beneficial for treating cancer in areas like breasts. During the treatment procedure, sensitive organs like the heart and lungs are safe.

Why choose Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer?

Proton therapy has many benefits for people undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Let’s learn about them:

1. Reduces Lung and Heart Toxicity

Traditional radiation therapy may affect the heart and lungs because it uses X-rays, which pass through the body and affect both cancerous and surrounding healthy cells. On the other hand, proton therapy’s precision makes sure that the radiation targets only the tumor, and not the surrounding healthy issues of heart and lungs.

2. Protection of the Other Breast

With traditional radiation therapy, there is a high possibility of unintended radiation damage in the other breast. Proton therapy’s targeted approach minimizes the risk of radiation damage in the other breast.

3. Lower Risk of Secondary Cancer

One of the risks of radiation therapy is the development of secondary cancer due to unnecessary exposure of healthy cells to radiation. Proton therapy’s precise targeting reduces the chances of secondary cancer.

All these benefits show how opting for proton therapy for breast cancer means prioritizing safety and precision.

Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer after Mastectomy

Proton therapy has changed post-mastectomy treatment. It offers personalized care for patients with breast cancer.  Let’s learn how it helps in post-mastectomy:

Cost of Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer in India

The cost of proton therapy for breast cancer in India differs depending on the tumor type and the number of radiation therapy sessions needed.

Here’s an approximate estimate of the cost:

• For 5 sessions: INR 6,00,000 (USD 7000) – INR 9,00,000 (USD 10,000)
• For 15 – 20 sessions: INR 19,00,000 (USD 22000) – INR 25,00,000 (USD 29000)
• For 28 – 33 sessions: INR 35,00,000 (USD 40,000) – INR 40,00,000 (USD 46,000)

Want to know the exact cost of your treatment? Get a personalized quote today!

What is the Success Rate of Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer?

The success rate of proton therapy depends on the stage and type of cancer. In cases like chordomas, brain tumors, and liver cancers, the success rate is as high as 85 to 90 percent. In the case of breast cancer, the survival rate is around 90%. Proton therapy is particularly beneficial for patients who are at high risk of heart and lung complications because of its precision and ability to spare nearby healthy tissues. 

Multiple research has shown that proton therapy is more effective and safer than conventional radiation therapies.

• A 2023 review stated that proton therapy is more precise and effective for locally advanced breast cancer and safeguards the surrounding organs much better. 
• Another study conducted in 2022 claims that proton therapy protected the cardiovascular health of 70 participants with breast cancer. 
• A study conducted in 2020 found that proton therapy reduces the chances of developing secondary cancer after breast radiation therapy.
• A 2019 study found that the overall survival rate was 97.2% for proton therapy after a mastectomy for non-metastatic breast cancer.
• Another study conducted in 2017 showed that proton therapy improves survival rates and decreases side effects.

Proton Therapy for Recurrent Cancer

Recurrent breast cancer brings a unique set of challenges. The challenges increase when previous radiations have already affected the surrounding healthy tissues. Proton therapy offers a highly targeted approach and delivers the radiation to precisely the cancerous tissues and safeguards critical organs like the lungs and heart.  This makes proton therapy the safest and most effective option for recurrent cancers. 

Traditional radiation therapy can cause damage to the surrounding healthy tissues but proton therapy’s precision reduces this risk drastically. Because of this precision, it is sometimes used as a targeted therapy for recurrent cancer tumors that are already treated using radiation therapy. Proton therapy for recurrent cancer also reduces the side effects which helps you maintain your overall health before and after treatment.

Proton Therapy vs. Conventional Radiation

Radiation therapy is a well-established cancer treatment but all radiation therapies don’t work the same way. The main difference between conventional radiation therapy and proton therapy is how they deliver the radiation to the affected area.

During conventional radiation therapy, X-rays travel through the body and release energy before and after it hits the tumor. This exposes the surrounding healthy tissues to the rays. Proton therapy, on the other hand, uses charged protons that stop at the tumor and deliver a precise dose maintaining a minimal radiation spillover. This makes proton therapy the best option for breast cancer and other cancers located near critical organs like the heart, lungs, and spine. 

Due to its precision proton therapy doesn’t have few or no side effects. It also reduces the risk of long-term complications and improves recovery. 

Patients undergoing proton therapy may experience less fatigue, skin irritation, and damage to nearby organs compared to patients who are getting conventional radiation therapy.

Eligibility for Proton Therapy in Breast Cancer

These patients will be eligible for proton therapy for breast cancer: 

• Those who have early-stage breast cancer
• Women undergoing breast-conserving surgery
• Women requiring post-mastectomy radiation 
• patients whose tumors are close to critical organs like the heart and lungs

A multidisciplinary team will include a radiation oncologist and a medical physicist for the assessment procedure. They will evaluate each patient’s medical history and imaging scans. CT and MRI scans are done to determine whether proton therapy is the most effective and safe option.

Where to get Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer in India?

In India, many hospitals offer proton therapy. The top ones are:

• HCG Cancer Centre, Bangalore
• Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai
• Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
• Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai
• Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
• Max Healthcare Saket, Delhi
• Manipal Hospital, Bangalore

Here’s how you can choose the best hospital in India for proton therapy:

• Look for a hospital or center that has the latest proton therapy advancements like pencil beam scanning.
• Check the experience and specialization of the oncologists in proton therapy
• Also inquire about the cost, financial aid, and insurance coverage. 
• Check whether the hospital has comprehensive post-treatment follow-up and rehabilitation support.

Indian hospitals and treatment centers are upgrading their proton therapy infrastructure every year and offering world-class medical services at an affordable cost. MedicoExperts can help you in your healing journey in India. Contact us today for a personalized treatment plan which includes your journey to India, accommodation, and contacting the best hospital and specialists in India.

Preparing for Proton Therapy Treatment

Proton therapy is known for its precision and for directly reaching the tumor without affecting the surrounding healthy tissues. It safeguards critical organs like the heart and lungs. Proper preparations help you ensure the best possible outcomes for you or your family member undergoing this procedure.

Here are the steps for preparation:

Step 1: The first step is medical evaluation. The oncologist will check your cancer stage, overall health, and prior treatment history. After evaluating all this your eligibility will be decided. 

Step 2: Next the team of specialists will move on to imaging tests and treatment planning. Advanced CT, MRI, or PET scans help map the tumor’s exact location for precise radiation therapy.

Step 3: After that, you have to undergo a trial run to ensure accurate positioning and dosage of radiation during the procedure. 

Step 4: Depending on the cancer type and stage, proton therapy is personalized. This may include:

• Proton Partial Breast Irradiation is done for early-stage breast cancer patients who had breast-conserving surgery.
• Proton Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy for patients needing radiation after mastectomy.
• Retreatment for Previously Radiated Patients where proton therapy minimizes additional exposure to critical organs.

Patient consultation and planning is an important part of preparation for proton therapy. Managing side effects is another important part of the planning and preparation process. Here are some of the side effects and 

• Mild skin irritation is a common side effect of proton therapy. Applying prescribed lotions and avoiding sun exposure will help.
• Another side effect is fatigue management which can be done by maintaining a balanced diet and getting adequate rest.
• Regular follow-ups ensure that the treatment is effective and side effects are managed efficiently.

Long-Term Benefits of Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer

Proton therapy has many long-term benefits that can make a real difference for breast cancer patients. It helps improve survival rates and reduces the risk of damage to healthy tissues. Because of its precision in targeting tumors, breast cancer patients experience few or no side effects and complications compared to conventional radiation. This means the patient will experience better health during and after treatment. Apart from that, with lower radiation exposure to vital organs like the heart and lungs, the chances of cancer coming back or new issues developing are also reduced.

Patient Stories: Real-Life Experiences with Proton Therapy

Meera Khanna

Meera Khanna, a 45-year-old housewife from Mumbai, was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The oncologist recommended her radiation therapy but considering the side effects Meera opted for proton therapy. After the procedure, Meera experienced fewer side effects and no major discomfort. Within the next few weeks, she resumed her daily routine.

Takeaway

If you are looking for an effective, and safe treatment that is gentle on your body, proton therapy is your best option. Opting for it means, safeguarding your heart and lungs from harmful radiation.

India is quickly becoming a go-to destination for proton therapy. There are many reasons, including the availability of top-notch hospitals and facilities and cost-effective care.

Now is the time when you should learn about the options available for you or your loved one and choose from the best. MedicoeExperts team can help you in your treatment journey, from decision-making to post-treatment follow-ups. We will do so by providing you with unbiased information on available options and helping you connect with top hospitals and doctors in India.

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