The CDC reports that more than 1.2 million new cases of prostate cancer were reported in 2018, making it the second most common cancer among men globally. In the US, there were 33,363 fatalities in 2022 and 236,659 new cases in 2021. Number of patients with metastatic prostate cancer has been rising despite a decline in overall incidence. To improve outcomes, there are advanced treatments available.
One possible new treatment is proton therapy, a high-performance radiation treatment that, unlike conventional radiation techniques, does not damage healthy tissue. This may reduce side effects and improve quality of life. Advanced treatment options include the FDA-approved generic Zytiga and the Glenza (Enzalutamide), which enhance disease management by expanding access to existing therapies.
So, what exactly is proton therapy?
Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation therapy that uses positively charged protons rather than traditional X-rays. These protons release the majority of their energy at the tumor site, which results in the Bragg peak. This accuracy makes it possible to expose cancer cells to higher radiation dosages without endangering adjacent healthy tissues, like the rectum or bladder.
Proton therapy drastically lowers the quantity of radiation that reaches the surrounding organs in contrast to conventional radiation, which can still deposit energy outside the tumor. This benefit reduces the possibility of adverse effects like bowel issues and urine incontinence, which are frequent with conventional radiation treatments.
The Use of Proton Therapy in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
The Course of Treatment
Planning and Consultation: To ascertain whether proton therapy is appropriate for the patient, a thorough consultation is conducted before starting treatment. This involves using imaging methods like CT and MRI scans to precisely locate the tumor. To guarantee accuracy in treatment planning, these actions are in line with suggestions made by groups such as the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
Treatment Sessions: Proton therapy is usually given every day, Monday through Friday, for a few weeks. Targeting cancer cells while preserving healthy tissues is the aim of each session, which lasts roughly 15 to 30 minutes. The Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group (PTCOG) has extensively documented this treatment approach as a cutting-edge approach to precision-based cancer therapy.
Mechanism of Proton Therapy
High-energy protons are directed at the tumor during proton therapy. According to the Bragg peak effect, protons deposit most of their energy directly at the tumor site, as opposed to conventional X-ray radiation, which releases energy along its path. The radiation exposure to nearby organs, like the bladder and rectum, is greatly decreased by this mechanism.
The advantages of proton therapy for prostate cancer
Enhanced Precision: By allowing for highly targeted treatment, proton therapy lowers radiation exposure to healthy tissues like the bladder and rectum, and it is recognized by The World Health Organization.
Few long-term side effects: Proton therapy patients have fewer long-term side effects than those who receive conventional radiation, especially for patients who place a high value on their quality of life after treatment, according to the NCI’s patient information resources.
Decreased Risk of Secondary Cancers: It limits radiation exposure outside the tumor site. This benefit is backed up by studies into secondary cancers that result from radiation exposure.
Putting This Treatment in Comparison to Others
Surgery (prostateectomy): Risks of erectile dysfunction and incontinence occur in patients who undergo surgery to remove the prostate. Surgery may be successful, but is not always the right choice for each patient, as the World Health Organization (WHO) has clearly stated in its surgical safety guidelines.
The FDA, the agency has approved Abiraterone Acetate and Glenza (Enzalutamide) to treat prostate cancer, and Xtandi, their active ingredients are androgen receptor inhibitors (ARIs) and CYP17 inhibitors. Clinical guidelines recommend that they be used as effective agents for advanced prostate cancer, as they target androgen-related pathways as recommended by the Physican and the oncologlist.
Side effects:
Hormone therapy can have negative side effects such as
Fatigue and decreased libido, but it also reduce the cancer’s growth. So for more advanced cases, hormone therapy is most commonly used in combination with proton therapy. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends that combined treatment be used for prostate cancer.
Conventional radiation therapy. Radiation caused by conventional X-rays leaves the surrounding healthy tissue exposed to higher levels of radiation, and some patients find that radiation and side effects can be more severe. This is stated in the CDC’s overview of radiation therapy.
Risks of Proton Treatment
Some disadvantages of proton therapy despite high accuracy / reduced side effects
- Fatigue
- Slight urination tract irritation
- Bowel pain that is rarely experienced Limited Availability
- The lack of proton therapy centers restricts patient access.
- Expensive and Insurance Issues:
Proton therapy is substantially more costly than conventional radiation.
Often, in patients who appreciate the accuracy and reduced side effects, proton therapy with those weaknesses remains a good alternative.
Testimonials from Patients and Success Stories
Instead of being exposed to conventional radiation, many prostate cancer patients who get proton therapy have far fewer side effects and are much faster at responding.
Protons will reduce bowel and urinary problems, improving the quality of life for patients treated with them, a Johns Hopkins Medicine study suggests.
For example, in a 65 y old prostate cancer patient proton therapy was chosen to reduce the risk of impotence and incontinence. He had no significant long-term adverse effects and continued to have excellent urine function after treatment was completed.
According to National Cancer Institute (NCI) survival data, proton therapy offers cancer control rates that are on par with or better than traditional radiation, particularly in cases that are detected early.
Although proton therapy is not appropriate for all patients, many find it to be a powerful treatment option due to its accuracy and lower risk of long-term complications.
FAQs on Prostate Cancer Proton Treatment
- Is proton therapy superior to conventional radiation treatment?
Answer: Though its long-term superiority is still being investigated, proton therapy is more accurate and less likely to harm healthy tissues.
- What adverse effects result?
Answer: Usually less severe than with conventional radiation, common side effects include occasional bowel discomfort, mild urinary irritation, and fatigue.
- Does it have insurance coverage?
Answer: Some insurance companies cover it, while others view it as experimental. Patients should discuss this with their doctor.
- What is the duration of the course of treatment?
Answer: Sessions usually last six to eight weeks and last 15 to 30 minutes each day.
- What are the prerequisites?
Answer: Ideal for those with localized, recurrent, or early-stage prostate cancer.
Conclusion
Patients now have more options than ever before thanks to advancements in prostate cancer treatment. Access to high-quality care is growing thanks to novel developments like proton therapy and the generic versions of Xtandi and Zytiga. Priority is given to both survival and post-treatment quality of life. For further information
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