Lewisville, TX – Intensity-modulated radiation therapy has taken prostate cancer treatment to a whole new level. Delivering a high degree of precision that preserves healthy cells while effectively treating cancer, this radiological procedure saves lives. Researchers, however, have taken this concept to a whole new level. Proton therapy is increasingly showing its ability to treat this form of the disease while reducing collateral damage even more.

“Proton beam therapy is a relatively new option that is not yet widely available,” explains Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology. “This option, however, has stood up well in testing with more studies continuously adding to the body of evidence that it can effectively treat prostate cancer while reducing overall side effect risks.”

Similar to IMRT, proton beam therapy irradiates cancer cells so they cannot grow and spread. This technology, although rather cumbersome and costly at present, offers a beam that is more precise than traditional therapies. This enables clinicians to deliver highly targeted, often increased doses of radiation, directly to a tumor. The end result is an effective cancer treatment that spares as much healthy tissue as possible.

One of the more recent studies related to proton beam therapy and prostate cancer treatment showed strong results. Published in the International Journal of Radiation, Oncology, Biology, the study focused in on 211 participants who were in the low, intermediate and high-risk categories with their cancer. The five-year survival rate following proton beam therapy was 93, 88 and 90 percent, respectively. The study also found that proton beams stopped cancer progression in its tracks. The five-year freedom from progression rate was 99 percent for low and intermediate risk patients. It was 76 percent in the high risk group.

“Proton beam therapy is growing in its use around the world,” Dr. Echt says. “As more studies show its potential effectiveness, it is providing an alternative to other well-known, effective forms of treatment especially in regard to certain forms of cancer, such as prostate cancer.”

Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to discuss treatment options with their healthcare providers. Proton therapy might not be available in all areas. IMRT offers a highly successful track record, as well.

About Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group
The Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group has state-of-the-art facilities that offer individualized care to patients throughout North Texas. With a team of expert oncologists and other specialists on staff, the Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group treats a variety of cancers and blood disorders with an eye towards the newest advancements available in diagnostic technology and treatments.