Proton radiation therapy uses strong beams of protons to kill cancer cells. It helps control the growth of some types of tumors. It can also shrink them.

Radiation damages the DNA in cancer cells, which stops their growth. Radiation also damages healthy cells, but the protons in proton radiation therapy do less damage to normal cells as they pass through them. The protons also don't travel as far as other radiation after they release their energy on the tumor. This is why proton radiation therapy may cause fewer side effects and do less damage to healthy tissues than other radiation.

Proton radiation therapy may be used along with surgery or chemotherapy. But it may not be available at all treatment centers. And it may not be covered by all insurance plans.

A doctor who specializes in treating cancer with radiation is called a radiation oncologist. They work with you to find out the kind of radiation you need. This doctor also plans the dose and how long you'll need treatment.

Proton radiation therapy may be done:

• To shrink a tumor before surgery.
• To kill any cancer cells that may be left after surgery.
• As the main treatment if surgery isn't a choice. This may be because of the tumor's location or because the person is too weak for surgery.
• To relieve symptoms caused by a tumor.

This type of radiation can be used on many conditions, including:

• Eye melanoma.
• Benign tumors of the brain.
• Prostate, liver, pancreatic, and lung cancers.
• Tumors close to the spine.
• Certain head and neck cancers.
• Certain childhood cancers.

Because the proton beam does less damage to healthy tissues, this therapy is often used for treating cancers that are close to sensitive parts of the body.

The most common way to get radiation treatment is from a machine outside your body. It sends out an invisible proton beam. This is called external beam radiation.

Radiation therapy is carefully planned. Before treatment, a planning session is needed to map out exactly where in the body the radiation beams need to be aimed. This process is called simulation. It may take up to 2 hours. During this session imaging tests (like MRI scans, CT scans, or ultrasound) may be done. This helps doctors know exactly where the tumor is and where to aim the radiation.

A mold, mask, or frame is often made for you before radiation starts. This will hold you in the exact same position for each treatment and help keep you from moving during treatment.

You'll likely get radiation therapy as an outpatient in a hospital or a clinic. This means you'll be able to go home the same day. Radiation is most often given once a day, 5 days a week (Monday to Friday), for many weeks. The treatment itself only takes a few minutes. Your radiation care team can see and talk to you while you're getting treatment.

Protons are a kind of radiation particle that does the damage just at the end of the beam. There's little damage to the normal tissues around the tumor. This means there are fewer side effects than you might get with X-ray radiation.

There is a risk of the cancer returning after radiation therapy. Radiation can damage the DNA in healthy cells. As a result, you have a small risk of a second cancer years after your treatment.

The side effects you have depend on what part of the body is being treated. Talk to your doctor about short- and long-term side effects from your treatment.

Potential short-term side effects include:

• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Treatment port skin changes. This is often like a bad sunburn. Your skin may turn red or darker in color and may blister and peel.
• Hair loss in the areas that get radiation.
• Soreness in the area being treated.