Proton therapy
An advanced form of radiation treatment, proton therapy can be calibrated with great precision to selectively kill cancer cells. The clinical benefits proton therapy offers over standard X-ray treatment for certain types of cancer are becoming increasingly well known. The accuracy of the delivery of proton radiation, for example, reduces damage to the healthy tissues and organs surrounding tumors. Other benefits include fewer side effects, including a decreased risk of developing secondary tumors (cancers that result from radiation treatment).
The SCCA Proton Therapy Center, located on the University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest campus, benefits patients in the Pacific Northwest who no longer need to travel to other parts of the country for a multi-week course of treatment. Because of the significant investment required in building and operating a proton therapy facility, this center is the only proton facility in a seven-state region.
Who can benefit from proton therapy?
Virtually all doctors who specialize in radiation therapy agree that the most critical use of this technology is in treating children. Children are more prone to secondary cancers than adults. The risk of secondary cancers is correlated with the amount of irradiated tissue; since proton therapy is more efficient in sparing normal tissue, it reduces the likelihood of these follow-on cancers occurring in later years. Studies show that using proton therapy to treat certain pediatric tumors provides excellent results.
In adults, proton therapy can also be beneficial in treating a broad range of cancerous — and some non-cancerous — tumors, including those of the brain, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, head and neck, lung and prostate, as well as sarcomas. The advantages of proton therapy over standard X-ray treatment are similar to those experienced by pediatric patients. Proton therapy is most commonly recommended for adult patients in treating anatomically complex tumors where avoiding damage to healthy adjoining tissue—particularly critical organs and structures — is imperative.
Clinical trials
Since proton therapy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat patients in 1988, the medical community has continued to conduct research on the use of protons in treating different types of cancer through clinical trials. Over the years, many patients have volunteered to take part in these clinical trials to help find improvements in fighting cancer with proton therapy.
Our physicians view the SCCA Proton Therapy Center as a tremendous opportunity to take the lead in active clinical investigations that will help define the role of proton therapy in future cancer treatment. Ongoing studies conducted by Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) physicians will help chart a clear course for the use of proton radiation in achieving the best possible outcomes in treating cancer.
What to expect
If your oncology team recommends proton therapy, you’ll need to plan ahead for a course of treatment that will typically cover a period of four to eight weeks. Your planning should include considering where you’ll live during this time — if you live beyond a commuting distance to Seattle.
SCCA makes available short-term rental housing for patients. For more information on housing opportunities in Seattle, visit our housing options section.
Initial consultation and treatment planning
Prior to treatment, you’ll meet with your radiation oncologist and nurse to discuss your treatment plan. You’ll also meet other members of your care team at the SCCA Proton Therapy Center, who will work with you throughout your entire course of treatment—and remain involved during follow-up care. We urge you to use this time to get answers to any remaining questions you may have about proton therapy.
Before treatment begins, you’ll also be asked to come to the SCCA Proton Therapy Center for a computed tomography simulation (CT) scan. This imaging will be used by your medical team to precisely map out your tumor and customize your treatment plan.
Your radiation oncologist will determine the length of treatment and exact dosage appropriate for your specific needs. Once your personal treatment plan is completed, you’ll be contacted by a radiation therapist on your care team to schedule your appointments for proton therapy. Most patients are scheduled to receive therapy five days a week, excluding weekends and holidays, for a period of four to eight weeks.