New Study: Proton Therapy Offers Safer, More Effective Breast Cancer Treatment

Proton therapy could revolutionize breast cancer treatment. It targets tumors precisely, sparing nearby organs and potentially improving survival rates.

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2025 October 6 . 2:08 AM

1 min read

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New Study: Proton Therapy Offers Safer, More Effective Breast Cancer Treatment

A new study suggests proton therapy could be a safer and more effective alternative to traditional radiation therapy for breast cancer patients, particularly those at high risk of heart or lung damage.

Proton therapy uses charged particles called protons to target tumors precisely, unlike traditional radiation therapy which uses X-rays. This allows for better control over where the radiation stops, reducing the risk of damage to nearby organs like the heart and lungs. A 2019 study found proton therapy has a similar rate of disease control as traditional radiation therapy, but with potential benefits including reduced damage to surrounding organs and improved survival rates.

Proton therapy is particularly suitable for patients with tumors near critical organs. It's ideal for those needing precise dose delivery to complex tumor shapes, or for patients who have already received radiation and need re-irradiation with minimal damage to healthy tissue. It may be most beneficial for individuals with a higher risk of cardiovascular or lung diseases, or those needing higher doses of radiation to the heart due to tumor location or previous mastectomy. Factors increasing radiation to the heart include having tumors on the left side, in the inner quadrant, having a mastectomy, or receiving radiation therapy to regional lymph nodes.

While research suggests proton therapy may be safer and more effective, larger, long-term studies are still needed to fully understand its benefits and effectiveness. Almost all breast cancer patients receive radiation therapy, and proton therapy may be recommended for those at risk of cardiovascular and lung diseases, and those expected to receive higher doses to the heart. Further research will help determine the full potential of proton therapy in breast cancer treatment.