Lung Cancer

One of proton therapy’s greatest benefits is that its focused treatment enables physicians the ability to administer the exact amount of radiation they want at the exact place they want it. Because of the treatment’s accuracy, a large amount of healthy tangential tissue, organs and nerves are spared unnecessary exposure.

When treating with traditional radiation, areas approximate to the targeted lung, such as the heart, esophagus and even the other, healthy lung, may all be affected unintentionally. Proton radiation, on the other hand, has the unique ability to treat localized cancer with a high dose while still minimizing risk to the surrounding lung. It can also significantly reduce the irradiation to the heart and other nearby tissues.

The side effects of traditional radiation could range anywhere from inflammation to permanent damage of surrounding organs and tissue. Comparatively, most patients experience few side effects from proton radiation. In fact, due to proton therapy’s noninvasive nature, many patients are able to go on with their regular daily lifestyles.^{3-4, 6-8, 15}

Though this is one area that has previously defied advancements in medical care, significant headway is now being made in the treatment of lung cancer. Proton radiation can be an important part of this treatment, especially in early stages. With the addition of a double scatter beam, Hampton Proton now has the capability to treat moving targets, such as the lungs. Dr. Tyvin Rich, one of our experienced oncologists, is a specialist in the treatment of lung cancer.

Treatment options may vary on a case-by-case basis, so contact us to consult with our clinicians and find out if proton therapy could be right for you.