Best Proton Therapy in India with Best Results and Affordable Cost
Did you know that you can minimize the side effects of radiation with proton beam therapy?
Radiation not only damages the tumor but also the healthy cells beside it. The main reason behind this is that the high-energy photon beam rays have an entry point & exit point. This not only kills the tumor cells but also the cells it passes through, especially the ones behind the tumor.
Many people who undergo radiation therapy suffer from its side effects such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, blurry vision, skin changes, etc as well as other side effects depending on the part of the body where the radiation is given.
These side effects gradually decrease the quality of life during and after the treatment.
With advancements in science & technologies, radiation therapy has advanced a lot and doctors now recommend that patients go for advanced proton beam therapy.
What is Proton Beam Therapy?
Proton Therapy, also known as Proton beam Therapy, is a type of radiation treatment that delivers radiation straight to the tumor using a beam of protons that have pinpoint accuracy and minimal to no exit dose.
Instead of using traditional radiation therapy (x-ray-based), protons are used to generate & send high-energy beams to the targeted tumors and transform the energy in a way where they don’t pass through the tumor.
The technique means dissipating a higher dose of radiation to the tumor and killing it without affecting the normal healthy cells situated nearby.
Let us understand now how proton therapy works.
How does Proton Therapy work?
As mentioned above, Proton Therapy uses positively charged protons to target the tumors in our body.
The Proton beam enters the body targeting the tumor. These large particles concentrate more power on the tumor than the surrounding tissue.
Not only that but these protons stop after delivering the energy to the tumor and they do not exit the tumor which in turn saves the surrounding healthy tissues from getting affected/dying.
This in turn reduces radiation exposure and potential damage to healthy tissues in sensitive areas like the brain, eyes, spinal cord, heart, organs, major blood vessels and nerves in the body.
How is Proton Therapy given to a patient?
Proton therapy is given to patients in (a limited number of) sessions decided by the doctor.
Before each session, you may have to undergo imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI to obtain images of the tumor and surrounding area.
The proton therapy is performed in a special room. Then the therapists will draw temporary marks on your body to draw attention to the treatment area.
Typically, a large mechanical arm known as a gantry (insert pic or link), can move the beam around you as you lie on a table. This allows the doctors to treat the tumor from several angles.
The patient will be spending 15 to 30 minutes in the treatment room, depending on the size, location, and number of tumors.
Proton beam therapy is performed on an outpatient basis. It requires careful planning to ensure that the proton beam reaches its intended target. The length of each treatment will differ depending on the type and stage of the tumor.
Positioning plays a very critical role in proton beam treatment. The team may need several minutes to adjust both you and the instruments to ensure that the proton beam reaches the exact location of the tumor.
The patient has to remain completely still on the table for the duration of the treatment. The team will be there to guide & comfort you all along.
The team will leave the room once you are in position & ready to operate the proton beam machine.
A special custom-made mesh mask will be made by the team for the patient if the tumor is in the head & neck region. You can see & breathe through the mask comfortably.
Throughout the entire treatment, the doctors & their team members will keep a check on the progress of the radiation given to the patient as well as monitor the various safety parameters to leave no room for error.
They also use video cameras to watch and communicate with the patient during treatment to ensure that they are safe and comfortable.
The patient won’t be experiencing any pain or discomfort during the treatment.
After the prescribed radiation dose has been delivered, the computer turns off the proton beam and the technologists re-enter the room to assist the patient in removing the mask or immobilization device.
Let us now understand the advantages of proton therapy.
What are the advantages of Proton Beam Therapy?
- Targets tumors and cancer cells with pinpoint accuracy and minimal to no exit dose.
- Reduces the severity of short and long-term side effects on healthy tissues and organs in the surrounding area.
- Patients who have already undergone radiation can also opt for proton beam therapy to treat recurrent tumors.
- Enhances quality of life while undergoing treatment and afterwards.
- Lowers the risk of secondary cancers.
- Increases the survival rates by a good percentage as compared to traditional radiation therapy.
Now let us see what types of cancerous and noncancerous tumors can be treated by proton beam therapy.
What are the types of cancers that can be treated by Proton Therapy?
Proton Therapy is effective in treating many types of tumors such as the brain, head and neck, central nervous system, lungs, prostate, gastrointestinal system, etc.
It is frequently used to treat solid tumors in children as protons can be controlled precisely which reduces the risk of serious complications and secondary tumors.
Proton Beam Therapy is the preferred treatment option for both benign & malignant tumors, including:
A] CNS Tumors
- Ocular tumors – intraocular melanomas
- Chordoma
- Chondrosarcomas
- Spinal tumors – Primary/Metastatic
B] Head & Neck tumors:
- Nasopharynx
- Nasal cavity
- Paranasal sinuses
- Periorbital
- Primary tumors of salivary glands
- Cavernous sinus/ brainstem
- Cranial nerves
- Oral cavity
- Mucosal melanoma
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 significant peri-aortic nodal disease
- Non-metastatic cancers – rectal, bladder & cervical
- Anal cancer
- Reproductive organs
F] Breast:
- Bilateral breast cancers
- Locally advanced breast cancer
- Early staged left-sided breast cancer
- Patients who have internal mammary lymph nodes
G] Genitourinary:
- Prostate cancer
H] Others:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (Liver cancer)
- Pediatric solid tumors – primary/benign tumors in children
- Re radiation cases – where radiation to the same site is being considered for the second or third time.
What is the rate of success of Proton Therapy in India?
The success rate depends on the type and stage of the cancer. In certain cancers like chordomas, brain tumors, or liver cancers, the success rate goes as high as 85-90%.
What is the cost of Proton Therapy in India?
The cost of Proton Therapy usually depends on the type of tumor & the number of settings required for the radiation.
These are the base costs listed below:-
- 5 fractions – 6 to 9 Lakhs INR (USD 9K)
- 15 to 20 fractions – 19 to 25 Lakhs INR (USD 25K)
- 28 to 33 fractions – 35 to 40 Lakhs INR (USD 45K)
We have special prices for selected countries.
When it comes to healthcare, India still offers the best treatment & cost, especially for conditions like cancer. Also, insurance plays a significant role in making healthcare more accessible.
Takeaway
Compared to conventional radiation therapy, proton therapy is a cutting-edge radiation treatment that offers several advantages including.
Greater targeting precision: Unlike other radiation therapies, which are not so precise, the placement of proton beams aims at directing radiation treatment to the exact tumor while doing very little damage to surrounding tissues.
Reduced side effects: This precision reduces the severity and frequency of side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.
Better outcomes: Proton therapy can lead to higher success rates and lower risks of secondary cancers in certain cancers.
While proton therapy is not suitable for all types of cancer, it is a promising option for many, especially those in sensitive areas.
Is proton therapy right for you?
Book an appointment and consult with the doctor to determine if proton therapy is the best course of treatment for your specific cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Is proton therapy safer than traditional radiation?
A: Since proton therapy can deliver a high dose to a very specific area with minimal impact on surrounding tissues, it makes it safer and more effective than conventional radiation therapy.
Q2. What are the side effects of proton therapy?
A: Common side effects of proton therapy include:
- Fatigue
- Digestion problems
- Headaches
- Hair loss in the area of the treatment
- Skin redness & soreness in the area where the treatment has taken place
Q3. What are the disadvantages of proton therapy?
A: Proton therapy isn’t suitable for all types of cancer. It’s best for cancers in sensitive areas where other treatments could harm healthy cells & tissues in the surrounding areas.
Proton therapy machines and equipments are extremely complex and expensive to manufacture and operate. Hence, it’s critical to double-check your insurance policy’s coverage.
Q4. How long does it take to recover from proton therapy?
A: Most people resume their normal activities immediately after the session.
Q5. How long does proton treatments last?
A: Proton therapy treatments usually last about 30-35 minutes per session.