5-Fraction SBRT Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Treatment options for prostate cancer have evolved over the years to provide better outcomes with reduced side effects. Proton therapy, a highly precise form of radiation therapy, has emerged as an effective treatment modality for prostate cancer. The New York Proton Center (NYPC) is at the forefront of utilizing proton therapy to offer effective and personalized prostate cancer treatment options for patients. In addition to standard proton therapy, NYPC provides a 5-fraction SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy) treatment, which offers several advantages for eligible patients.

Proton therapy is a form of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of conventional X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells. Protons have unique physical properties that allow them to deposit most of their energy precisely at the tumor site, sparing healthy tissues surrounding the tumor. This precision is especially crucial in prostate cancer treatment due to the prostate gland’s proximity to vital organs like the bladder, bowel, and rectum.

NYPC offers a 5-fraction SBRT treatment option for most men with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. SBRT involves delivering a higher dose of radiation per treatment, administered in just five days and delivered every other day. This approach significantly reduces the treatment duration compared to the standard five-week course of radiation therapy. The accelerated treatment schedule offers the advantage of completing therapy faster, making it more convenient, particularly for patients traveling from outside of the New York City area.

The efficacy of 5-fraction SBRT proton therapy is comparable to that of the standard course of proton therapy. By delivering a higher dose per fraction, SBRT takes advantage of unique biological properties of prostate cancer cells that make them more susceptible to radiation. Moreover, the radiation delivery is extremely precise and painless, utilizing the same pencil beam scanning technology as conventionally fractionated proton therapy. Furthermore, preliminary data suggest that the side effect profile of 5-fraction SBRT is mild and similar to that of more protracted treatments.

NYPC operates a robust proton therapy research program, encompassing 25 clinical trials dedicated to advancing treatment outcomes and exploring new possibilities. Among these trials, two are specifically focused on prostate cancer, including one for the 5-fraction SBRT treatment. NYPC also offers a clinical trial that is investigating the use of proton therapy in retreating recurrent prostate and genitourinary cancers, providing patients with a new opportunity for a potential cure. Proton therapy's precision plays a vital role in reducing excess radiation to nearby normal tissues and organs, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of reirradiation.

For more information about proton therapy for prostate cancer, visit NYPC's website at www.nyproton.com. Our website provides comprehensive information about the treatment, its benefits, and the services offered at NYPC. Alternatively, you can call us at 833-697-7686 to request a consultation and explore the possibilities of proton therapy treatment.