Treat Liver Cancer With Proton Therapy
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body, as it plays a key role in digestion. It breaks down food and drink to enable nutrients to be used and waste eliminated from the body.
Different cells in the liver can develop into cancer, and based on their type and location, a variety of treatment options exist. According to American Cancer Society records, liver cancer rates have tripled in the last 40 years, and death rates have doubled during this same time period.
Comparison image – Proton Therapy is on the left, Photon Therapy is on the right
How Is Liver Cancer Treated?
Liver cancer is treated with surgery, ablation, embolization, chemotherapy, drug therapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy. Due to the close proximity of the liver to other critical structures such as the stomach, pancreas, gallbladder, large intestine and bile duct, precise targeting of radiation is a critical factor in treatment.
With proton therapy, a concentrated dose of radiation is applied directly to the tumor in the esophagus, limiting toxicity and harm to the vital, healthy tissue surrounding it. As a result, the risk of side effects is significantly reduced with protons.
MPTC Uses Proton Therapy to Treat a Variety of Liver Cancers:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
- Angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma (blood vessels of the liver)
- Hepatoblastoma
- Secondary liver cancer
The use of proton therapy to treat liver cancers can offer several benefits compared to traditional radiation therapy:
Improved Quality of Life
Proton therapy delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and liver. This can help reduce the risk of side effects, such as radiation-induced damage to the gastrointestinal system that could impact the ability to taste, eat, digest food and drink, and eliminate waste.
Understanding the Proton Therapy Treatment Process
At the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, every liver 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.
