Proton therapy  (or proton beam therapy) is one of the most advanced forms of radiation therapy in the world, making it an ideal prostate cancer treatment. 

With protons, high doses of radiation can be delivered directly to the tumor, avoiding unnecessary radiation to nearby healthy tissue and vital organs. This reduces the risk of damage to the rectum and bladder.

Studies have shown that the use of proton therapy for prostate cancer results in excellent cancer control rates and very low rates of serious complications in the bowel or bladder when compared with other forms of treatment.

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Signs / Symptoms

In the early stages of prostate cancer, there are usually no symptoms. Initial indications may be an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level or a trend in levels to rise over time and/or an abnormal hardness or enlargement of the prostate felt by the provider during a digital rectal exam (DRE). If symptoms are present, they may include:

• Frequent urination (especially at night)

• Difficulty stopping/starting urination

• blood in the urine

• erectile dysfunction

• Pain or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation

• Dull pain in lower pelvis

• Widespread pain in the lower back, hip, or thigh

 

Diagnosis

Doctors can perform a variety of tests to determine the presence of prostate cancer, including:

 

• Digital Rectal Examination

• Prostate Specific Antigen Test

• Transrectal Ultrasound

• High Resolution (3T) MRI

• 4Kscore® Test

• Prostate Biopsy

 

Treatment

Proton therapy is an ideal treatment option for many prostate cancer patients because it allows precise administration of higher doses by targeting specific treatment areas. This causes fewer long-term side effects and less impact on surrounding healthy organs and tissues.