Mass General’s Pioneering Proton Therapy Research Advances Cancer Treatment
Radiation treatment using X-rays — packets of photons — can effectively treat many cancers. But photon radiation kills healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Proton radiation therapy, also called proton beam therapy, can target a malignant or benign tumor more precisely and therefore reduce damage to healthy tissue.
Physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of Mass General Brigham, have done groundbreaking proton therapy research, studying the best use of this therapy for clinical care. The Boston-based hospital currently has the only proton therapy site in New England, with two centers for treating adult and pediatric patients.
According to experts at Mass General Cancer Center, proton treatments are “particularly important for treating tumors that haven’t spread and are near crucial body functions, such as the brain, spinal cord or eyes.” Physicians also may choose proton therapy to treat cancers in children, as kids’ bodies are “more vulnerable” to the effects of radiation, which can affect growth and development. Proton treatment typically delivers 60% less radiation to healthy tissue. Although all radiation therapy has side effects, proton therapy may result in milder side effects that occur less frequently due to more limited radiation exposure.
The Mass General website highlights success stories from patients who received proton therapy, including Melissa, a new mom diagnosed with breast cancer; Lindsay, who was 33 weeks pregnant when doctors discovered she had brain cancer; and Kent, a teacher and coach diagnosed with glioblastoma, a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor.