Proton Therapy for Veterans

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

Proton therapy is highly targeted, precise radiation therapy that allows physicians to precisely aim the highest dose of radiation at the tumor and, thus, avoid healthy surrounding tissues. It is especially effective for cancerous tumors in sensitive areas. In addition, proton therapy is non-invasive and may reduce side effects, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life during and after treatment.

Proton therapy can treat all solid tumor cancers, including breast, colorectal, lung, brain, head and neck and prostate cancer. It benefits patients whose tumors are solid with defined borders, meaning the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. It does not require surgery, making it ideal for inoperable tumors. For those cancers where it is effective, we will evaluate your diagnosis to find the best option.

The unique advantages of proton therapy lead to the potential for fewer harmful side effects, more direct impact on the tumor, and increased tumor control. Protons slowly deposit energy as they travel towards the cancerous tumor and then deposit the great majority of the radiation dose directly in the tumor, traveling no further through the body. This results in less healthy tissues and organs receiving unnecessary radiation, thereby reducing unwanted complications and side effects. Standard radiation therapy utilizes x-rays which deposits the majority of the radiation dose immediately upon entering the body while traveling to the tumor. Unlike protons, x-rays continue traveling through the body until exiting out the other side resulting in the delivery of unnecessary radiation to healthy tissues and organs. Simply put, protons STOP after depositing the radiation dose in the tumor, x-rays do not.

The McLaren Proton Therapy Center offers the latest generation, advanced synchrotron technology featuring the highest energy pencil beam scanning clinically available. It is the ideal technology for irregular shaped tumors near sensitive areas. In addition, pencil-beam scanning capability is a prerequisite for a proton center 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 to see if proton therapy is right for you.

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

For all types of radiation treatment, the number of treatments will vary based on your type of cancer and your particular tumor. Proton therapy is very precise, reducing side effects which helps you maintain quality of life during and after treatment.

Timing and duration varies depending on the patient and type of cancer. Treatment sessions typically last for 30-40 minutes and the complete course of treatment may be from one to 30 sessions, lasting one day up to eight weeks. A typical treatment cycle is Monday through Friday, for six to eight weeks.

The side effects vary by the type of cancer. Proton therapy may have fewer side effects than traditional X-ray radiation, which allows patients to maintain their current quality of life during and after treatment.

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

The need for altering your diet depends on the location of your cancer. Your cancer is specific to you. We examine your cancer and give you a recommendation.

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

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

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