A Patient’s Guide to Radiation Therapy for Gliomas
- Proton therapy is a highly specialized radiation treatment that utilizes protons—charged hydrogen particles—to precisely target and eliminate cancer cells.
- With conventional photon therapy, a high energy X-ray travels through your skin and the energy is given off as it interacts with tissues in your body. It leaves something called exit dose.
- On the other hand, proton therapy delivers a high energy hydrogen atom into your body and also releases energy as it interacts with the tissues of your body. The difference is that it slows down to a complete stop inside your body, delivering most of its energy at the very end of its path.
- “The perfect patient for proton is a patient that has a glioma and the glioma is right near the brain stem, which is a very important structure,” Dr. Samuel Jean-Baptiste, a radiation oncologist at University of Florida Health, tells SurvivorNet.
“The perfect patient for proton is a patient that has a glioma and the glioma is right near the brain stem, which is a very important structure,” Dr. Samuel Jean-Baptiste, a radiation oncologist at University of Florida Health, tells SurvivorNet.
Read MoreWhat is Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy is a highly specialized radiation treatment that utilizes protons—charged hydrogen particles—to precisely target and eliminate cancer cells. Unlike conventional photon therapy, which uses high-energy X-rays that pass through the body, proton therapy offers a significant advantage: it delivers radiation at a controlled depth, stopping precisely at the tumor site. This characteristic, known as the Bragg Peak, ensures the highest dose of radiation is concentrated within the glioma while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy brain tissues.As a result, proton therapy reduces the risk of side effects and long-term complications often associated with radiation treatment.
Why is Proton Therapy Beneficial for Gliomas?
Gliomas are tumors that arise in the brain or spinal cord, making precision in treatment essential to preserve critical neurological functions.
Proton therapy is particularly effective for gliomas because it:
- Protects Healthy Brain Tissue: Minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding areas, reducing the risk of cognitive decline
- Reduces Radiation-Induced Side Effects: Helps lower the likelihood of memory loss, fatigue, and neurological impairments.
- Better Long-Term Outcomes: By targeting the tumor more precisely, proton therapy may improve quality of life post-treatment.
- Ideal for Recurring Gliomas: Offers a safer option for patients who require re-irradiation after prior treatments.
Your oncologist will assess your specific case and determine whether proton therapy is the best option for your glioma.
Proton Therapy vs. Conventional Photon Therapy: What’s the Difference?
The difference is in how the radiation dose is distributed throughout your body.
With conventional photon therapy, a high energy X-ray travels through your skin and the energy is given off as it interacts with tissues in your body. It leaves something called exit dose as it leaves, treating healthy tissue as well as tumor cells along the way.
Proton therapy delivers a high energy hydrogen atom into your body and also releases energy as it interacts with the tissues of your body. The difference is that it slows down to a complete stop inside your body delivering most of its energy at the very end of its path. This is called a Bragg Peak and as a result of this, proton therapy does not have an exit dose and treats less healthy tissue.
This distinction is especially important for gliomas located near critical brain structures, where limiting radiation exposure can enhance long-term well-being.
“A good patient for photon, regular X-ray radiation, would be one where the tumor is small and it’s in an area of the brain that is not near important structures,” Dr. Jean Baptiste explains.
What to Expect During Treatment
If you are a candidate for proton therapy, you can expect a non-invasive outpatient treatment that does not require hospitalization.
The process typically includes:
- Consultation and Planning: Your care team will use imaging scans (CT or MRI) to create a customized treatment plan.
- Treatment Sessions: Proton therapy is administered five days a week over several weeks. Each session lasts about 30 minutes, though the actual proton beam delivery only takes a few minutes.
- Minimal Recovery Time: Most patients resume normal activities shortly after treatment. Side effects, such as mild fatigue or headaches, are usually temporary and resolve over time.
Where Can You Receive Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy centers are expanding, though they remain specialized facilities—there are only about 45 centers in the U.S. currently.
To locate a proton therapy center near you, consider:
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated centers
- University-affiliated cancer hospitals
- Dedicated proton therapy centers
Your oncologist can help you identify the best facility based on your specific diagnosis and treatment needs.
Does Insurance Cover Proton Therapy?
Many insurance plans cover proton therapy, particularly for gliomas where its benefits are well-documented, but there are reports that patients sometimes have trouble getting coverage.
Coverage often depends on:
- The specific type and grade of glioma being treated
- Medical necessity as determined by your healthcare provider
- Your individual insurance policy
It’s advisable to consult with your insurance provider and explore financial assistance programs that may be available through your treatment center.
“In the future, with proton, a lot of places will adopt it and I think we’ll have an easier time of convincing the insurance companies that they should provide this service and pay for it for their patient instead of it being a tug and pull between the doctor and the insurance company,” Dr. Jean-Baptiste says.
Is Proton Therapy the Right Choice for You?
Selecting the appropriate cancer treatment is a critical decision, and proton therapy offers a highly precise, patient-focused alternative to traditional radiation for gliomas. With its ability to minimize side effects and protect healthy brain tissue, it can greatly improve outcomes for many patients. If you are considering proton therapy, speak with your oncologist to determine if you qualify and where you can access this cutting-edge treatment.
Your health is important, and having the right information empowers you to make the best choices for your cancer care journey.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Am I a candidate for proton therapy?
- What advantages does proton therapy offer over conventional photon therapy?
- What are the potential side effects of proton therapy?
- Will my insurance cover this treatment?
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