Prostate cancer is a severe cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a part of the male reproductive system that produces seminal fluid that transports sperm. It is the most common type of cancer in men, with estimated diagnoses of 1.4 million worldwide in 2020. As per the Lancet Commission, the number of new prostate cancer cases is expected to increase from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040.
The primary issue of not getting a proper cure for this cancer is late diagnosis, especially in low and middle-income countries. The best chance for successful treatment of prostate cancer is early detection when it's still restricted to the prostate gland.
How is Prostate Cancer Treated?
Treatment of prostate cancer depends on numerous factors, such as the patient's overall condition, whether the cancer has spread, and how fast it is spreading.
Different types of treatment used for treating prostate cancer are:
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Surgery: Open radical prostatectomy and Robotic radical prostatectomy
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Radiation therapy: Brachytherapy and External beam radiation therapy
All these treatments are used to eliminate prostate cancers, but tumours deep in the body can be challenging to treat with traditional radiation. The average cost of prostate cancer surgery cost in India ranges from USD 3000 to USD 7000.
Fortunately, a new treatment is now available, known as Proton therapy. It is a form of radiation therapy and one of the advanced therapies for prostate cancer treatment.
Proton Therapy: Advanced Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Proton therapy is a non-invasive external radiation treatment that destroys cancer cells by disrupting their DNA. It is a targeted treatment that destroys prostate cancer cells without harming the bladder, rectum, and other gastrointestinal organs.
Studies have shown that proton therapy may cause fewer side effects than traditional radiation therapy, as healthcare professionals can better control where the proton beams deliver their energy.
Types of Prostate Cancer Treatment Using Proton Therapy
Candidates who are suffering from prostate tumours with complex shapes and prostate cancer in all stages can undergo proton therapy. Proton therapy is beneficial even if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
This therapy can treat different types of prostate cancer, such as:
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Early-stage prostate cancer
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Mid-stage prostate cancer
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Stage 4 prostate cancer
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Prostate cancer that has spread to other organs or tissues
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Prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes
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Prostate cancer that has returned after the surgery
How Does Proton Therapy Treat Prostate Cancer?
It is a type of external beam therapeutic radiation. In this therapy, a beam of charged proton particles is generated by a large machine called a cyclotron and points at the prostate cancer. It destroys the tumour cells as the beam deposits its energy.
Once your treatment is complete, you can go home the same day. Periodic imaging tests may be recommended during and after the therapy to determine whether your cancer is responding to the treatment.
Benefits Associated with Proton Therapy
There are several benefits of proton therapy for treating prostate cancer:
Precise Targeting
Protons are charged particles that can be controlled precisely and can be targeted to release their energy directly at the tumour site. This precise targeting allows maximum energy delivery to the cancer cells without destroying the surrounding healthy tissues.
Fewer Side Effects
Proton therapy minimises radiation exposure to healthy tissues; that's why patients experience fewer side effects as compared to traditional methods.
Effectiveness
Proton therapy is highly effective for treating localised prostate cancer. It is particularly effective in early cancer stages or in situations where cancer is restricted to the prostate.
Painless
For treating prostate cancer, proton therapy treatment typically lasts five to ten minutes, and the procedure is entirely painless. Depending on the specificity of the cases, patients can undergo between 28 and 44 treatments.
Is Proton Therapy Effective for Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Proton therapy is effective for treating prostate cancer, as some studies have shown that this therapy has a lower risk of recurrence of prostate cancer and development of secondary cancer after the treatment. The success rate of proton therapy can be as high as 85-90%, depending on the type and stage of cancer treated.
However, studies are still ongoing for the comparison of proton therapy with other treatments among patients with different stages of prostate cancer.
Risks Associated with Proton Therapy
Researchers do not yet know the long-term effects of proton therapy as it’s a new treatment. While most studies suggest a lower risk of side effects, the data on sexual side effects are contradictory.
Proton therapy is believed to cause fewer side effects due to the precise targeting of proton beams and the saving of the surrounding tissue. Still, it releases some of its energy into healthy tissue. Side effects do occur, but they can be less severe and last for several weeks to months after treatment, such as:
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Fatigue
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Bladder and skin irritation
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Temporary hair loss at the treatment site
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Urgent feeling of urination
Proton therapy also carries the risk of erectile dysfunction and urinary problems, which can be rare.
Conclusion
The use of proton therapy in treating advanced prostate cancer is continuing to evolve. This highly effective treatment option is suitable for those who prioritise preserving their quality of life during and after treatment. It has also been introduced in India in Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, being the first Proton Centre in South East Asia to introduce proton therapy for effective cancer treatment and offer facilities to patients travelling from all over the world for different types of cancer treatment.
For those who are eligible to undergo this therapy, it represents a cutting-edge approach that maximises treatment effectiveness while minimising potential complications.
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