Proton therapy - new medical technologies in cancer treatment

Proton therapy is the modern way of treating cancerous tumors. This method is an alternative to radiotherapy. The main difference between these methods is that proton therapy uses positively charged particles. They are called protons.

Advantages and disadvantages of therapy

By results of treatment through this therapy there are positive results. Currently, this method is not used for all types of tumors. The main advantage of this method of treatment of neoplasms is that after it there are fewer negative effects on the human body. Since such a method exists relatively recently, it is impossible to say exactly how long the effect from it will remain.

Application

In what cases is proton therapy involved? This method is used to treat malignant and benign tumors. Proton therapy is used alone or in combination with other treatments. For example, with surgery or with chemotherapy.

There is a list of diseases in which this method of treatment is used. These include the following:

1. Children's oncological diseases.
2. Melanoma of the eye.
3. The defeat of the brain with tumors.
4. Oncological diseases of the head and cervical region.
5. Defeat the spinal cord with various tumors.
6. Oncology of the lungs.
7. Defeat of the bases of the skull by tumors.
8. Oncology of the prostate.
9. Pituitary cancer.
10. Oncology of the liver.

Now the Center for Proton Therapy conducts clinical studies of the use of this method in the treatment of diseases such as:

1. Lymphoma.
2. Oncological diseases of the urinary bladder.
3. Malignant tumors of the cervix.
4. Cancer of the esophagus.
5. Malignant cells in the chest.
6. Sarcoma.
7. Oncology of the pancreas.

What complications can occur after the course of proton therapy?

Despite the fact that this method is considered more sparing than radiation exposure, it can still cause some disturbances in the functioning of the body.

Complications, which provoke this proton-beam therapy, are divided into two main groups. The first includes those that occur with the death of cancer cells. The second group of complications is associated with the defeat of healthy cells.

The advantage of proton therapy is that the irradiation process can be controlled. The complications that arise in the human body depend on which area is affected.

Examples of complications that may occur during therapy:

1. A person can lose hair. As a rule, baldness passes on that part of a body where therapy has been directed.
2. The skin in the irradiation zone can turn red.
3. The appearance of various skin irritations.
4. General fatigue.

Preparatory stage for proton therapy

If the patient is prescribed proton therapy, then it is necessary to determine the point through which the effect on the body will be effected. It is usually determined by means of magnetic resonance imaging. An important point is that during the procedure the patient should be fixed. To ensure this situation, a person lays down on a special couch. If necessary, the head is fixed with a mask.

Fixation of the patient is necessary, because during the procedure it is determined not only the point of entrance of the rays, but also their direction. Therefore, it is important that the patient does not move during it.

Time of the session. What kind of course is needed?

The procedure is usually twenty minutes. It is recommended that it take place every day during the working week. The general course lasts 14-21 days. But there are times when a patient needs one or two sessions. Everything depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the course of the disease.

Therapy is carried out by means of a special apparatus. The principle of its action is to accelerate the particles around the patient. The tumor is irradiated at certain angles. This method reduces the irradiation of healthy body tissues.

What should I do after the session?

After the proton therapy, the patient can stay in the clinic or go home. Everything depends on the general condition of the person. It should be known that after several procedures, fatigue and various skin lesions will appear.

Oncological diseases in modern society

To date, medical technologies are developing at a rapid pace. There are many ways to treat various diseases. There are schemes for the treatment of diseases that a few years ago were considered incurable. As for oncology, unfortunately, medical technologies do not offer 100% effective therapy. A person has more chances to be cured of this disease if malignant formations were detected at an early stage of their development. There is a statistic showing that one in three people in developed countries are ill with an oncological disease. Unfortunately, the exact causes of the onset of these diseases have not yet been revealed.

The well-known are the ways of treating oncological lesions of the body. Radiotherapy refers to economical methods. It is also quite effective. The main disadvantage of irradiation is that it gives serious complications to other organs and systems. In this sense, proton therapy is the most sparing way to influence patients due to the fact that the irradiation is directed only at the affected area. Other tissues are less affected.

Proton therapy is prescribed to patients of any age category. But more often it is used to treat children. This is due to the fact that it causes less negative effects on the body.

Nuclear medicine in oncology

In our country there are special centers that detect oncological processes in the body using the isotope method. The peculiarity of their work is that they apply the most advanced technologies for the treatment of diseases through an industry such as nuclear medicine.

It should be known that in oncology it is necessary to identify the focus of its spread in the body. It can be done by a highly qualified specialist. Proton therapy refers to modern methods of cancer treatment. In current cancer centers, it is possible to diagnose an ailment at a stage where it is not yet displayed on a tomograph. You can also look at the process of cell damage.

The best way to prevent serious illnesses is through their prevention and a healthy lifestyle. A person needs to be introduced into the habit of conducting a complex examination of the body and ensuring the maintenance of his body in good shape. Everyone knows how to build a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition, regular walks in the fresh air, exercise. Nobody is immune from the occurrence of any ailments. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor yourself. Identification of diseases at an early stage allows you to take all the necessary measures to improve the body and quickly return to normal lifestyle. In good time, consult a doctor at the slightest fear and be healthy!