Treating Sarcoma With Proton Therapy
A sarcoma is cancer that develops in the bones or soft tissues in the body. The type of sarcoma varies based on the location of the cancer. Based on the variations in tissues and location, treatment options for sarcomas also vary.
In many cases, proton therapy is the optimal treatment option for sarcomas, especially those that develop in hard-to-reach areas or those adjacent to bones, soft tissues, joints, and essential organs in the body like the head and neck, pelvis or spine. Traditional radiation or photon therapy can expose these nearby unaffected areas to unnecessary high doses of radiation.
With proton therapy, a concentrated dose of radiation is applied directly to the diseased area, with the capability to increase the radiation dose to provide the most effective treatment possible in the fewest number of visits. Proton therapy also limits long-term rates of fracture and thickening or stiffening of tissues of nearby joints and limbs, which may occur as a result of traditional photon radiation therapy exposure and can be helpful before planned surgery for removal of sarcoma.
Proton therapy is a method of choice to limit exposure to other organs and tissues, especially for pediatric patients, who have many decades of life remaining. Protons are also used to treat recurrent sarcomas, previously treated with traditional X-ray radiation therapy.
Comparison image – Proton Therapy is on the left, Photon Therapy is on the right
Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) Treats a Variety of Sarcomas:
- Angiosarcoma
- Chondrosarcoma
- Epithelioid sarcoma
- Ewing’s sarcoma
- Fibrosarcoma
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor
- Leiomyosarcoma
- Liposarcoma
- Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor
- Osteosarcoma
- Pleomorphic sarcoma
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Synovial sarcoma
- Other sarcomas
Understanding the Proton Therapy Treatment Process
At the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, every sarcoma cancer treatment plan is customized to your unique diagnosis and health needs. We aim to deliver highly targeted care while supporting your comfort and well-being.
Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, you will meet with our expert team, including a radiation oncologist, to review your medical history and determine if proton therapy is right for you. Our radiation oncologists are trained to deliver radiation in a variety of modalities, which means they can discuss all radiation options to ensure you are comfortable with your care plan. If proton therapy is right for you, our billing department will help find out if your insurance covers proton therapy.
CT Simulation and Treatment Planning: We use advanced imaging to map your tumor and design a precise, personalized plan. These scans help us prepare your body position to ensure accurate proton therapy treatment.
Daily Treatment: Proton therapy begins within two weeks of the simulation. These outpatient sessions are typically 30 minutes, five days a week, with most patients returning to daily activities right after. The length of treatment depends on your specific treatment plan but generally lasts three to eight weeks.
Completion: Upon completing your last treatment, you will ring the bell at the “Ring in Hope” wall, a symbol that closes the door on this chapter of life and opens the door to a healthy future.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Monitoring: Within a month of your final treatment, you will come back for a follow-up visit to track your progress. Following that, imaging and regular check-ins help us further track your progress and make any needed adjustments.
