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.
Understanding the Proton Therapy Treatment Process
At the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, every pancreatic 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.
