Treat Pancreatic Tumors With Proton Therapy

Pancreatic cancer develops when exocrine cells that are excreted to help with digestion become unhealthy and grow uncontrollably, most often in the head of the pancreas adjacent to the stomach. In some cases, precancerous cells form, and if left untreated, develop into cancers. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking tobacco, heavy alcohol use, health concerns like long-term inflammation of the pancreas, and family history of the disease.

Depending on the type and stage of the disease, pancreatic cancer is treated with surgery, ablation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.

A tumor in the pancreas, in close proximity to other critical structures such as the stomach, gallbladder, large intestine and bile duct, makes precise targeting of radiation a critical factor in treatment. That’s why radiation with proton therapy may be prescribed. Proton therapy applies a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the tumor that has formed in the pancreas, limiting harm to the vital, healthy tissue surrounding it.

Comparison image – Proton Therapy is on the left, Photon Therapy is on the right

The Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) Uses Proton Therapy to Treat a Variety of Pancreatic Tumors:

• Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
• Adenosquamous carcinomas
• Squamous cell carcinomas
• Signet ring carcinomas
• Undifferentiated carcinomas
• Ampullary cancer

Benefits of Proton Therapy to Treat Pancreatic Cancer

Improved Quality of Life

Proton therapy delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. 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.

Reduced Risk of Secondary Cancers

Proton therapy delivers a lower dose of radiation to surrounding healthy tissues, which may decrease the risk of developing secondary cancers later in life that are caused by radiation exposure, a risk that is more significant in traditional radiation therapy.

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.