Is Proton Therapy Right for You?

Proton therapy is most beneficial for patients with solid tumors near critical organs or structures that have not spread to other areas of the body. However, if the tumor has spread (metastasized), proton therapy may still be an option. Proton cancer treatment may also benefit patients who cannot tolerate any more X-ray radiation.

Proton therapy is a recommended treatment for many patients, including:

• Patients whose tumors are near critical organs or structures, such as brain, heart, lungs, GI tract, spine and head and neck
• Patients who also need chemotherapy
• Patients whose cancers have recurred
• Patients who cannot have any more X-ray radiation treatment and have reached their limit for traditional radiation
• Pediatric patients

The types of tumors treated using proton therapy will continue to expand as research continues and care teams develop proton cancer treatment plans for more types of tumors.

Proton therapy is not appropriate for all types of cancers or all patients. Only a healthcare provider can determine the best approach for each unique condition.

Can children receive proton therapy?

Children’s bodies are still growing. This means they can have more serious short-term and long-term side effects from X-ray radiation than adults.⁷ Research shows that proton therapy can reduce the risk of developmental and growth delays and abnormalities, reductions in IQ and other issues often linked with standard X-ray radiation. This is why proton therapy is often preferred when children need radiation treatment.

Your specific diagnosis and other factors will help determine if you could benefit from proton therapy. When you call the Northwestern Medicine Proton Center, the intake nurse will ask you several questions regarding your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for proton cancer treatment.

Our team will assist you in collecting the following documents and information before presenting your case to the physician review board for evaluation:

• Your cancer diagnosis
• Imaging or diagnostic records from your physician
• Any prior cancer treatment you may have had
• Pathology reports
• Your current medications and any allergies
• Operative reports
• Lab reports
• Insurance information
• Availability for treatment
• A physician's referral for radiation therapy

Medical Consultation and Review

A physician review board will evaluate your diagnosis in detail to determine if you may benefit from proton therapy. Once your diagnosis has been reviewed, you will be contacted to discuss the next steps. If your diagnosis is not appropriate for proton therapy, other treatment options may be recommended.