What is proton therapy?

Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses protons to treat tumors. It is just as effective as traditional radiation therapy, with one major advantage: greater precision. Proton radiation can attack the tumor but avoid healthy tissues and organs nearby. This reduces the risk of treatment-related side effects and long-term complications.

How does proton therapy differ from traditional radiation therapy? Show

Both kinds of radiation therapy have the same goal: to damage the genetic code of cancer cells so that they can not grow and spread. Both types of therapy painlessly deliver radiation through the skin from a machine outside the body.

The fundamental difference between proton therapy and traditional radiation therapy is the type of energy they use. Traditional radiation therapy uses photons (particles of visible light) to treat tumors. Doctors have been using traditional radiation therapy to treat tumors for more than 100 years.

Proton therapy uses protons (subatomic particles found in the nucleus of all atoms). It is less common, but it has been used for decades at a small number of institutions. Recent advancements in proton radiation technology have made this therapy more effective than ever in minimizing short- and long-term effects of treatment.

Proton Therapy	Traditional Radiation Therapy
Kills cancer cells by damaging their genetic code	Kills cancer cells by damaging their genetic code
Uses proton energy	Uses a large amount of photon energy (X-ray radiation)
Used on solid tumors that have not spread (about 80% of all pediatric tumors). Not used to treat cancers of the blood (leukemia and myeloma).	Used on most kinds of tumors and cancers, including cancers of the blood
Delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor, but little radiation to healthy tissues	Delivers a dose of radiation to everything in its path, including healthy tissues
Minimizes short-term side effects and long-term complication	More likely to cause short-term side effects and long-term complications

Are there different types of proton therapy? Show

Yes. Pencil beam scanning is a term used to describe technology available at the newest proton therapy centers, including Cincinnati Children’s. It uses a narrow beam of protons to “paint” a tumor layer by layer. This is similar to what a 3-D printer does when it “prints” a three-dimensional object. In many cases, this allows the protons to better match the exact shape of the tumor.

Older proton therapy technology is referred to as “scattering.” This type of technology is still beneficial, but not as precise.

How long will treatment last? Show

Treatment sessions take approximately 30-60 minutes. Most of that time will be spent positioning your child using X-rays, and making adjustments to the equipment to ensure accuracy. The actual radiation delivery lasts only a few minutes.

Can proton therapy be used alongside other forms of cancer treatment? Show

Doctors may use proton therapy alone, or they may combine it with other treatment methods, such as traditional radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Can my child receive proton therapy and still continue treatment from their current provider? Show

Our doctors, nurses and radiation therapists will communicate with your child’s “home care” cancer care team before, during and after proton therapy.

During your child’s course of treatment at Cincinnati Children’s, one of our medical oncologists will oversee your child’s care to make sure everything goes according to the treatment plan. Your family will have full access to all of our services, such as guest services, child life, social work and financial counseling.