At Tennessee Oncology’s Proton Therapy Center, we are committed to providing our patients with cutting-edge treatments, including proton therapy for various cancer types such as prostate, breast, head and neck, lung, and more.
Benefits of Proton Therapy
Proton Therapy offers numerous benefits, including minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue and fewer side effects.
Precision
Proton therapy can accurately target tumors, minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and organs.
Reduced Side Effects
The targeted nature of proton therapy results in fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy.
Treatment for Various Cancer Types
Proton therapy is suitable for a wide range of cancer types and can be particularly beneficial for tumors located near critical organs or sensitive areas.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Patients undergoing proton therapy often experience a better quality of life during and after treatment, as they are less likely to suffer from severe side effects.
What is Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy is a type of external beam radiation therapy that delivers targeted radiation to cancerous tumors with great accuracy. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which uses X-rays, proton therapy uses protons to deliver the radiation dose. The unique properties of protons allow for precise delivery of radiation, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue and reducing the risk of side effects.
Common Treatment Sites
- Prostate Cancer
Proton therapy is an effective treatment option for localized prostate cancer. Its precision allows for the delivery of high radiation doses to the tumor while minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue, reducing the risk of urinary and sexual side effects. - Breast Cancer
Proton therapy can be used to treat both early-stage and advanced breast cancer. It is especially beneficial for patients with left-sided breast cancer, as it minimizes radiation exposure to the heart and lungs, reducing the risk of long-term complications. - Head and Neck Cancer
For head and neck cancers, proton therapy’s precision is crucial for minimizing damage to critical structures such as the brain, spinal cord, and salivary glands. This can help reduce the risk of side effects like dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and hearing loss. - Lung Cancer
Proton therapy is an effective treatment option for early-stage and advanced lung cancer. Its ability to precisely target tumors while sparing surrounding healthy lung tissue can help minimize the risk of side effects such as shortness of breath and lung inflammation.
