Prostate Cancer

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you are not alone. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Hundreds of thousands of men are diagnosed yearly, adding to the millions of individuals already affected by this disease.³²

Luckily, early detection and treatment often leads to positive results. Though options vary case to case, proton therapy is frequently considered to be an ideal choice for many men. At Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI), our doctors have enormous experience treating prostate cancer.

Proton Therapy and Prostate Cancer

Prostate tumors are resistant to radiation and therefore require very high doses of destructive energy. Additionally, the prostate is nestled between two of the most radiation-sensitive structures in the body (the bladder and rectum). This presents a particularly difficult dilemma for radiation oncologists. Excess radiation, especially to sensitive regions, can cause discomfort and complications, so the dose to these areas must be limited. At the same time, the radiation must be high enough to cause effective damage to cancerous cells.

Proton therapy meets this seemingly paradoxical issue with a precise, targeted form of radiation. Unlike other treatments, a proton beam has a concentrated range, allowing it to be controlled with a high degree of accuracy. It can deliver the maximal dose of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing surrounding tissues.

This can translate into a lowered risk of prostate damage and a reduced chance of becoming incontinent or impotent. More serious complications are possible, though rare, depending on tumor location and other factors. Proton radiation is used to treat prostate cancer more than any other cancer type.

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.