Best Proton Therapy in India with Outstanding Results and Minimum Side Effects
Did you know that intensity-modulated proton therapy can minimize the risk of radiation side effects?
Traditional radiation not only targets tumor cells but can also damage the surrounding healthy cells. This occurs because high-energy photon beams have both entry and exit points, affecting the cells they pass through, especially those behind the tumor.
Many cancer patients who undergo this type of radiation therapy experience severe side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, blurry vision, and skin changes. The severity can depend on the location of the tumor.
These adverse effects can significantly reduce the quality of life during and after medical treatment.
Thanks to advancements in advanced technologies, healthcare providers now recommend advanced proton radiation therapy for precise and effective treatment.
Seek expert advice from a Medical Oncology Senior Consultant and a multidisciplinary team of high-quality cancer specialists from the comfort of your home.
What is Proton Beam Therapy?
Proton Therapy, or Proton Beam Therapy, is a treatment modality that delivers radiation dose directly to the tumor cells using a precise proton beam with minimal to no exit dose.
Unlike traditional x-ray-based radiation therapy, proton therapy uses high-energy beams targeted at tumor cells and alters the energy to prevent it from passing through the tumor, thus sparing vital organs and soft tissues.
Let’s explore how proton therapy works.
How does Proton Therapy work?
Proton Therapy is a specialized form of radiation oncology that utilizes positively charged protons to target tumors. The proton beam enters the body and targets the tumor, concentrating more power on it than on surrounding tissues.
With the help of image guidance, these protons halt after delivering the radiation dose to the tumor cells, sparing surrounding healthy tissues and reducing potential damage in sensitive regions like the brain, eyes, spinal cord, heart, major blood vessels, and nerves.
How is Proton Therapy Administered?
Proton therapy is administered in a specified number of sessions determined by a Senior Consultant radiation oncologist.
Before each session, image guidance techniques such as CT scans or MRIs are conducted to visualize the tumor cells and their surroundings. The therapy takes place in a specialized proton therapy facility with state-of-the-art treatment rooms, where therapists use temporary marks to identify the treatment area.
A large mechanical arm, known as a gantry, can manoeuvre the beam around you during treatment. This flexibility allows the radiation oncologist to treat the tumor cells from different angles with image guidance, ensuring maximum precision.
The treatment typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes in the room, depending on the tumor’s size, location, and number. It is an outpatient procedure requiring careful planning to ensure the proton beam reaches its target. Medical treatment duration varies with tumor cells, type of cancer and stage.
Proper positioning is crucial in proton beam treatment. The team may take several minutes to adjust your body and the instruments to ensure the beam is precisely targeted.
Patients must remain completely still during treatment, with the team providing patient care, guidance, and comfort throughout the process.
The team exits the treatment rooms once you are in position and ready for the proton radiation therapy beam. If the treatment is in the head and neck region, a custom-made mesh mask, through which you can see and breathe comfortably, is used.
Throughout treatment, the team monitors the radiation’s progress and ensures safety, using video cameras to observe and communicate with you, maintaining your comfort and safety.
Patients experience no pain or discomfort during treatment. Once the prescribed dose is delivered, the proton beam is turned off, and technologists assist in removing any immobilization devices, ensuring optimal care throughout.
Now, let’s explore the advantages of proton therapy.
Advantages of Proton Beam Therapy
- Targets tumors and cancerous cells with pinpoint accuracy and minimal exit dose.
- Reduces short- and long-term side effects on healthy tissues and vital organs.
- Suited for patients previously treated with radiation, for recurring tumors.
- Enhances medical care quality and life during and post-treatment.
- Lowers the risk of secondary cancers.
- Effective for pediatric patients and young adults.
- Increases survival rates compared to traditional radiation therapy.
- Suitable for gastrointestinal and esophageal cancers.
Let’s look at the types of cancerous and non-cancerous tumors treatable with proton beam therapy.
Types of Cancers Treatable by Proton Therapy in India
Proton Therapy is effective against a variety of tumors, including brain, head & neck cancers, central nervous system, lungs, prostate, and gastrointestinal tumors.
It is widely used to treat solid tumors in children, given its precise targeting and reduced risk of secondary tumors.
Proton Beam Therapy is the preferred choice for patients with both benign and malignant tumors, including:
A] CNS Tumors:
- Ocular tumors – intraocular melanomas
- Chordoma
- Chondrosarcomas
- Spinal tumors – primary/metastatic
- Pituitary gland tumor
B] Head & Neck Tumors:
- Nasopharynx
- Nasal cavity
- Paranasal sinuses
- Periorbital
- Primary tumors of salivary glands
- Cavernous sinus/brainstem
- Cranial nerves
- Oral cavity
- Mucosal melanoma
- Base of the skull tumors
C] Thoracic:
- Primary cancers of the esophagus
- Primary mediastinal tumors
- Thymic tumors
- Mediastinal lymphomas
- Thoracic sarcomas
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- Early-stage lung cancer
- Locally advanced lung cancer
D] Abdominal:
- Hepatocellular cancer
- Intra-hepatic biliary cancer
- Non-metastatic retroperitoneal sarcomas
- Non-metastatic pancreatic cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Adrenal cancer
- Oligometastatic liver lesions
E] Pelvic:
- Advanced & unresectable pelvic tumors with peri-aortic nodal disease
- Non-metastatic cancers – rectal, bladder & cervical
- Anal cancer
- Reproductive organs
- Gastrointestinal cancers
F] Breast:
- Bilateral breast cancers
- Locally advanced breast cancer treatment
- Early-stage left-sided breast cancer
- Patients with internal mammary lymph nodes
G] Genitourinary:
- Prostate cancer
H] Others:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
- Pediatric solid tumors – primary/benign tumors in children
- Multiple myeloma (plasmacytoma in the bone)
- Lung cancer treatment
- Re-radiation cases – where radiation is needed at the same site again.
Success Rates of Proton Therapy in India
The success rate depends on the health condition, type, and stage of cancer. In certain cancers like chordomas, brain tumors, and liver cancers, success rates can reach 85-90%.
Cost of Proton Therapy in India
The cost of Proton Therapy varies based on the tumor type and a number of radiation sessions required.
Base Proton therapy costs include:
- 5 fractions – 6 to 9 Lakhs INR (approx. USD 9K)
- 15 to 20 fractions – 19 to 25 Lakhs INR (approx. USD 25K)
- 28 to 33 fractions – 35 to 40 Lakhs INR (approx. USD 45K)
Special prices are available for select countries. When it comes to medical care, India offers the best treatment & cost, especially for conditions like cancer. India provides state-of-the-art facilities for proton therapy facility treatment. Also, insurance plays a significant role in making healthcare more accessible.
Takeaway
Compared to conventional radiation therapy, proton therapy is a cutting-edge treatment offering numerous benefits:
Greater targeting precision: Provides precise radiation treatment, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Reduced side effects: High precision leads to fewer side effects, such as fatigue and nausea.
Better outcomes: Associated with higher success rates and a lower risk of secondary cancers.
While not suitable for all cancer types, proton therapy is a promising option, especially for tumors in sensitive areas.
Is proton therapy right for you?
Book an appointment to consult a doctor and determine if proton therapy is the best treatment for your specific cancer.
Contact us for a tentative cost estimate and treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Is proton therapy safer than traditional radiation?
A. Yes, proton therapy delivers a high dose to a specific area with minimal impact on surrounding tissues, making it safer and more effective than conventional radiation therapy.
Q2. What are the side effects of proton therapy?
A. Proton therapy causes fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy. Common side effects may include:
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
- Headaches
- Hair loss in the treatment area
- Skin redness and soreness
Q3. What are the disadvantages of proton therapy?
A. Proton therapy is not suitable for all cancer types, but it is an excellent option for cancers in sensitive areas where other treatments could damage healthy nearby cells.
Proton therapy machines are complex and costly, so it’s vital to verify your insurance policy’s coverage.
Q4. How long does it take to recover from proton therapy?
A. Most individuals can resume normal activities immediately after their session.
Q5. How long does proton treatments last?
A. Proton therapy sessions typically last around 30-35 minutes per session.
MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver
- Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
- Multiple cost options depending upon the hospital facilities, with the same doctor.
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Most suitable for patients who are looking for:-
- Planned Surgeries and treatment from most experienced doctors and at multiple cost options as per hospital facilities with best possible outcomes.
- Second Opinion from expert doctors.
- Complex cases involving multi specialities
- International patients looking for treatment from Indian doctors
Recommended Articles For You
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/radiation-therapy/side-effects
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4013396/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2881119/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/proton-therapy/about/pac-20384758
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10047123/
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Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board On 4 July 2024
Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
