initial consultation
Your journey begins with an initial consultation with a radiation oncologist who specializes in proton therapy. During this appointment, your medical history and imaging studies will be reviewed to determine if proton therapy is the right treatment option for you. This is also an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Treatment Planning
If proton therapy is deemed appropriate, the next step is treatment planning. This involves several key components:
- Imaging: Advanced imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI scans, are used to create a detailed 3D map of the tumor and surrounding tissues
- Simulation: You will undergo a simulation session where you will be positioned as you would be during treatment. Custom immobilization devices may be created to help you remain still and in the correct position during each session.
Creating the Treatment Plan
The imaging and simulation data are used to design a personalized treatment plan. Radiation oncologists, medical physicists and a team of dosimetrists collaborate to determine the precise dose and angles of proton beams to ensure optimal targeting of the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.
Treatment Sessions
Proton therapy typically involves several treatment sessions over a period of weeks. Each session follows a consistent process:
- Preparation: You will be positioned on the treatment table using the custom immobilization devices to ensure accuracy.
- Delivery: The proton beams are directed at the tumor from various angles. Each session usually lasts about 15-30 minutes, although the actual delivery of radiation may take only a few minutes.
Monitoring and adjustments
Throughout the course of treatment, your progress is closely monitored. Imaging and assessments are regularly performed to ensure the treatment is proceeding as planned. Adjustments to the treatment plan may be made if necessary to maintain precision and effectiveness.
Follow-up care
After completing proton therapy, follow-up care is crucial to monitor your recovery and manage any side effects. Regular appointments with your healthcare team will be scheduled to assess your progress, perform necessary imaging, and address any concerns.
PROTON THERAPY HAS PROVEN CLINICAL RESULTS
Proton therapy may be especially beneficial for breast cancer patients by minimizing damage to nearby tissue and critical organs, such as the heart and lungs. The risk of side effects is also lowered, including reducing the chance of experiencing a cardiac event or developing lung cancer or pneumonitis. Due to the painless and noninvasive nature of proton therapy treatment, you can get back to your daily activities quicker and maintain the same quality of life. Patients may see up to:
Reduced radiation exposure to the heart
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%
Reduced radiation exposure to the other breast
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%
Reduced radiation exposure to the lungs
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%
Breast Cancer
One of the most common cancers for women, breast cancer’s symptoms include a lump in the breast and a change in size or shape of the breast. Have questions?
WHy We're Different
With a state-of-the-art facility and an expert team of oncologists and therapists, we build personalized proton therapy treatment plans that best fit each cancer diagnosis. Get all of the information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment by contacting the Oklahoma Proton Center team below.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve put together commonly asked questions about proton therapy for breast cancer, patient care and insurance options to ensure you have the answers you need.
FIND OUT IF PROTON THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR YOU
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