July 31, 2013 — The Proton Therapy Center at Loma Linda University Medical Center is helping lessen the fears associated with cancer treatment and pain by providing an alternative that many patients are finding both clinically successful and emotionally comforting.
Proton radiation treatment, or proton beam therapy, is the most precise and advanced form of radiation therapy available today. This painless, noninvasive treatment allows patients to maintain their quality of life and resume normal activities as quickly as possible. This is because, as opposed to standard radiation therapy, proton therapy allows physicians to deliver higher treatment dosages that destroy the main tumor site without causing harm to surrounding healthy tissue or organs. Because it is more precise, it causes less damage to a patient’s body.
“The power and precision offered by proton therapy contributes to quicker recovery times, fewer side effects and better outcomes,” said Jerry Slater, M.D., chairman of the hospital’s Proton Treatment Center. “Patients with a wide range of conditions — including prostate, lung and brain cancers – can all benefit from what proton therapy has to offer.”
Proton therapy is completely noninvasive, no cut or incision is made to remove the cancer. The once-daily therapy sessions are painless and the patient can leave immediately following treatment. Because of proton therapy’s accuracy, many of the side effects of radiation treatment can be significantly reduced.
For more information: www.protons.com
February 02, 2024 
