Proton Therapy for Gynecologic Cancer
Treat gynecologic cancer while avoiding damage to healthy organs
If you’re fighting gynecologic (GYN) cancer, proton therapy could be a great option for you. Because proton therapy stops at the tumor site, it can avoid the healthy organs and tissues nearby. This means that your treatment may have less of an effect on your urinary and bowel function as compared to traditional x-ray radiation. Proton therapy can minimize the radiation dose that important tissues like your kidneys and pelvic bone marrow receive. Proton therapy may also help to spare hormone function in younger women.
If your treatment plan includes external beam radiation therapy to the pelvis and abdomen (para-aortic nodal chain), it is likely that proton therapy could benefit you. Proton therapy is also particularly useful for young women and people who have received radiation to the abdomen or pelvis before.
Comparison image – Proton Therapy is on the left, Photon Therapy is on the right
Gynecologic cancers we treat with proton therapy
- Cervical cancer
- Endometrial/uterine cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Proton therapy for recurrent GYN cancer
If your tumor has grown back (recurrence), traditional x-ray radiation is generally not possible because the area around your tumor has already withstood a previous course of radiation. Proton therapy, however, is safe to use, as it can provide an optimal dose of radiation to your tumor that limits the dose that nearby important organs receive. This makes radiation a viable option for recurrent gynecologic cancer.
Learn more about proton therapy
Request a consultation below to learn if proton therapy might benefit you. Our physicians will work with you and your care team to create your personalized treatment plan.
To view a webinar on how proton therapy treats women’s cancers differently, please click on the video below.
Understanding the Proton Therapy Treatment Process
At the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, every gynecologic 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.
