Proton Therapy in India

Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that treats cancer and noncancerous tumors with high-powered energy like X-rays.

Proton therapy has shown promise in treating kinds of cancer, yet studies have suggested that it may cause fewer side effects than traditional radiation since doctors can control where the beams should deliver their energy.

Additionally, some studies have also mentioned that as a comparison of proton radiation and X-ray radiation, it's not clear which therapy is more effective.

So, if you want to learn more information about proton therapy and clear all your doubts then read this article till the end.

Why is Proton Therapy Performed?

Proton therapy is performed to treat cancer and noncancerous tumors and it can be processed depending on specific conditions and may be used in conjunction with other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.

Proton therapy can be used if the cancer remains or comes back even after X-ray radiation.

Sometimes it helps to treat:

• Brain tumors
• Esophageal cancer
• Head and neck cancers
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Lymphoma
• Breast cancer
• Cancer in children
• Eye melanoma
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pituitary gland tumors
• Prostate cancer
• Sarcoma
• Tumors affecting the spine
• Tumors in the base of the skull

How the Proton Therapy Procedure is Performed?

Before the Procedure

• Radiation planning starts with your team positioning you on a table or chair, just like during treatment.
• You must stay still, and your team will then secure you with a device, depending on the tumor's location. For instance, an eye tumor might require a tight-fitting mask.
• Your comfort is key you can tell your team about any discomfort. If you are anxious, your oncologist might offer calming medication.
• Next, scans are taken for treatment planning. Marks might be made on your body or the device.

During the Procedure

• You will have your proton therapy in a special room. First, the oncology team will help you onto the table or chair. Here's what to expect:
• They will set up any necessary devices and ensure your comfort.
• Next, they will check your position, and they might use a laser on previous marks.
• The team will take more X-rays or CT scans before each treatment. This ensures accurate positioning.
• Once ready, they will step out to control the machine from a separate room. But, they can see and hear you through a screen.
• Then, they will start the treatment from the control room.
• The machine called a gantry, releases protons. It rotates to find the best angles without you feeling a thing.
• The therapy usually lasts only a few minutes.

After the Procedure

• Our team will inform you when the treatment finishes. Then, they'll help you out of the immobilizing device and assist you off the table or chair.
• After proton therapy, some people might experience skin sensitivity or swelling. Also, you could feel exhausted.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

• MRI 
• CT Scans

Who are the Candidates?

Radiation oncologists use proton therapy, and they use it for tumors near vital body areas, such as the brain or spinal cord. They also use it for non-spreading tumors. Moreover, they may treat children with cancer using this method.

List of Hospitals for Proton Therapy in India

• Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
• Amrita Hospital, Kochi
• Medanta - The Medicity Hospital
• KIMS Hospital, Secunderabad
• Vijaya Hospital, Chennai
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
• Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata
• Aster Medicity, Kochi
• BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital
• Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune

List of Doctors for Proton Therapy in India

• Dr. S Hukku
• Dr. Tejinder Kataria
• Dr. Sudarsan DE
• Dr. Anil Kumar Anand
• Dr. S Jayalakshmi
• Dr. Kanika Sood Sharma
• Dr. Mano Bhadauria
• Dr. Anusheel Munshi
• Dr. Aditi Aggarwal
• Dr. Rishabh Kumar

Complications

• Fatigue.
• Skin problems, including redness, irritation, swelling, dryness, blistering or peeling.
• Temporary hair loss at the treatment site

Conclusion

Proton therapy helps to treat patients with cancer and noncancerous tumors. They found that proton therapy lowers the risk of second cancer.

Now, doctors and researchers are discussing how and when to use this technology.