Proton therapy may be used alone or in combination with conventional radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or surgery. Your cancer team will work with you to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
A step-by-step treatment process is outlined under our What to Expect section.
Proton therapy is a noninvasive, painless outpatient procedure. Common side effects can vary widely depending on the part of the body that is being treated. Some common side effects include diarrhea, fatigue, headache and loss of appetite. These side effects may be less significant with proton therapy than with traditional radiation therapy. Some side effects, such as hair loss and skin irritation, can be more pronounced with proton beam therapy. During treatment, most patients continue to perform daily activities.
Proton therapy has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is covered by Medicare for many cancers. Several healthcare insurance providers have specific guidelines for coverage. Our team will work with you to understand the individual coverage provided by your insurance carrier. For more information, call the Proton Therapy Center at 440-481-2355.