Proton therapy is the most technologically advanced method of delivering radiation to cancerous tumors available today. A large machine called a synchrotron extracts protons from hydrogen atoms, accelerates them to almost the speed of light, and delivers the radiation with pinpoint accuracy. The unique way in which protons interact within the human body allows them to deliver curative radiation doses while reducing doses to healthy tissues and organs, resulting in fewer complications and side effects than standard photon radiation therapy.

Proton therapy is a highly targeted, precise radiation treatment that allows physicians to aim higher doses of radiation at tumors while avoiding healthy surrounding tissues. Because of this, proton therapy may reduce side effects, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life during and after treatment. It is especially effective for cancerous tumors in sensitive areas.

Proton therapy can treat all cancerous solid-tumors, including breast, gastrointestinal, lung, brain, head and neck, and prostate cancer among others. It benefits patients whose tumors have defined borders, meaning the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Proton therapy is often the only choice when treating tumors that were previously irradiated (i.e., treated with conventional photon radiation). Proton therapy is sometimes used in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. It may be used instead of surgery in some cases, making it ideal for inoperable tumors. If you have cancer, we will evaluate your diagnosis to find the best option.

Proton therapy offers the potential of fewer harmful side effects allowing patients to maintain quality of life both during and after treatment. Protons slowly deposit energy as they travel toward the cancerous tumor, depositing the majority of the radiation dose directly into the tumor, and traveling no further through the body. This results in fewer healthy tissues and organs receiving unnecessary radiation, thereby reducing unwanted complications and side effects. Standard photon radiation therapy uses X-rays, which deposit the majority of the radiation dose immediately upon entering the body on the way to the tumor. But, unlike protons, X-rays continue traveling through the body after reaching the tumor until they exit out the other side. This exit dose results in radiation exposure to healthy tissues and organs behind the tumor. Simply put, protons STOP after depositing the radiation dose in the tumor; X-rays do not.

The McLaren Proton Therapy Center, part of the Karmanos Cancer Network, offers comprehensive treatment and diagnosis services for patients not only in Flint, where it is located, but other parts of Michigan, the United States, and the world. We offer the latest generation of advanced technologies to fight cancers and provide a comprehensive set of services that cancer patients need, all under one roof. The proton pencil-beam scanning available at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center is the ideal technology for treating irregularly shaped tumors near sensitive areas. In addition, our pencil-beam scanning capability makes it possible for us to offer intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). IMPT is a highly specialized proton therapy that delivers a precise dose of protons, often to constrained targets.

You do not have to have a doctor’s referral. Please contact us for a consultation to determine whether proton therapy is right for you.

Medicare and most major insurance carriers in the U.S. cover proton therapy. The McLaren Proton Therapy physicians and staff can answer your questions, and they will advocate on your behalf with your insurance company.

Medicare and most major insurance carriers in the U.S. cover proton therapy. The McLaren Proton Therapy physicians and staff can answer your questions, and they will advocate on your behalf with your insurance company.

The timing and duration of treatment varies, depending on the patient’s specific case. The treatment sessions typically last for 20 to 40 minutes. The complete course of treatment may range from five to 44 sessions (one session a day), for between five days and eight weeks (Monday through Friday).

The side effects differ depending on the type of cancer. Proton therapy may produce fewer side effects than traditional X-ray radiation, enabling patients to maintain their quality of life during and after treatment, including the ability to continue working.

No. The side effects of our proton therapy treatments are minimal and should not keep you from working.

Whether you will need to alter your diet depends on where your cancer is located. Your cancer is unique to you. We will examine your specific case and give you recommendations.

If you are within 1 ½ -2 hours from the Proton Therapy Center, you could probably drive in each day, but some patients may choose to temporarily relocate to the area. Fortunately, the McLaren Hospitality House is located on the campus of the McLaren Proton Therapy Center. The House provides convenient, comfortable, and low-cost lodging for patients and their families, complete with kitchen and laundry facilities. Our patient support services team can give you information about the McLaren Hospitality House and the surrounding area.

Our patient support services team can give you information about options available in the surrounding area. The McLaren Hospitality House, located on the the McLaren Proton Therapy Center campus, provides convenient, comfortable, and low-cost lodging for patients and their families, complete with kitchen and laundry facilities.

We work closely with your medical oncologist and other health care providers to coordinate your overall care. When your treatment is complete, you may return to your local physician for most follow-up care.