The founder and lead surgeon of the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise talks about this alternative treatment.

Decatur, TX – Men diagnosed with prostate cancer will often find a host of treatments readily available to them. From surgical procedures to hormonal treatments, medical science has come a long way in treating this disease. One of the biggest breakthroughs in prostate cancer treatment involves the use of proton beam therapy in place of traditional radiation.

“Radiation has long been shown to be a highly effective treatment for prostate cancer, especially in regard to higher risk cases,” Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise. “These treatments, however, can result in the development of side effects that are less than desirable. Proton beam therapy offers a way to lower side effect risks while still effectively fighting cancer on the cellular level.”

Proton beam therapy works in much the same way as traditional radiation therapy. This form of treatment results in the irradiation of diseased cells, which essentially eradicates them. Healthy cells may be damaged in the process, as well. This is also the case in traditional radiation. What sets the two treatments apart is the precision with which proton beam therapy can be delivered. This form of therapy is much more highly targeted. That means less exposure to healthy cells and the potential for lowering side effect risks while still attacking cancerous cells.

“Proton therapy has held up extremely well in a wide number of studies in regard to its effectiveness to treat while minimizing side effect risks,” says Dr. Echt. “As the benefits of this therapy become more widely known, its use is on the rise in treating prostate cancer and other forms of the disease.”

Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are urged to speak with their healthcare providers. The best treatment options will depend on the specifics of a particular case.

About North Texas Cancer Center at Wise
North Texas Cancer Center at Wise, a division of Choice Cancer Care, is now operating as the Cancer Center at Wise Regional and is one of the most renowned cancer treatment centers in Texas. The center unites some of the best cancer doctors and surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Our expert team delivers superior cancer treatment in Texas, with the best results available.