The founder and lead surgeon of the Las Colinas Cancer Center talks about this treatment option.

Irving, TX – Check medical news headlines across the country and a common theme is found in relation to proton beam therapy. More cancer treatment centers are announcing the unveiling of their own proton therapy departments or are planning to build them in the very near future. Given the rise in popularity of this alternative to standard radiation, it should come as little surprise that proton therapy’s use in treating prostate cancer has doubled in recent years.

A recent study, in fact, found that there has been a steady climb in the use of proton therapy to treat prostate cancer. Between the years 2004 and 2012, the numbers rose two-fold. As more treatment centers announce proton therapy availability, those numbers are likely to continue a steady upward climb.

“Proton therapy is beginning to come into its own as a viable treatment for a variety of cancers,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the Las Colinas Cancer Center. “This therapy, although still limited in availability in many areas, is showing a strong success rate while also potentially reducing the risk of damaging healthy nearby tissue during the course of treatment.”

The goal of proton beam therapy is the same as standard radiation. Both are designed to eradicate cancer by irradiating cells. Proton therapy, however, is able to be much more precisely targeted. This reduces exposure of nearby healthy tissue and cuts the likelihood of collateral damage during treatment. For prostate cancer patients this form of therapy can mean a reduced risk of incontinence, erectile dysfunction and other side effects commonly associated with treatment of this disease.

“For the thousands of American men diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, proton therapy offers a viable hope to treat the disease while lowering the likelihood of side effects,” says Dr. Echt. “Given the results shown in practice thus far, it is not surprising that proton beam therapy use is on the rise.”

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to talk to their healthcare providers about all their treatment options. The best treatment options will depend on the specifics of each patient’s unique case.

About Las Colinas Cancer Center
Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care. Our state-of-the-art facility, located in North Texas, offers those battling cancer and blood disorders a safe haven where they can find professional care from some of the nation’s most experienced oncology specialists in a supportive, caring environment with an integrated approach to treatment.