Treat Uterine Cancer With Proton Therapy
Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer in the female reproductive system. It starts in the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, and grows out of control. Uncommon in women under age 45, endometrial cancer mainly affects postmenopausal women. The average age of a woman diagnosed with endometrial cancer is 60 years old.
Often, cancer may not appear with symptoms. It develops when abnormal cells transform into cancer. Advanced cervical cancer can be evident with abnormal bleeding or discharge, and it is detected through HPV testing and the Papanicolaou (Pap) test.
Comparison image – Proton Therapy is on the left, Photon Therapy is on the right
How Is Uterine Cancer Treated?
Uterine cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy. Women who don’t plan to have children in the future may opt for a total hysterectomy, or the removal of the uterus and cervix. A radical hysterectomy, which additionally includes removal of the pelvic lymph nodes, may be needed if the cancer has spread beyond the uterus. Often chemotherapy and radiation are included as part of the treatment plan.
When considering radiation, proton therapy is often preferred to treat uterine cancer. Proton therapy applies a concentrated dose of radiation directly to the diseased area, limiting harm to the vital, healthy tissues surrounding it that are often exposed with traditional photon therapy. In addition, side effects are minimized with proton therapy.
The Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) Uses Proton Therapy to Treat a Variety of Endometrial and Uterine Cancers:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Uterine carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Small cell carcinomas
- Transitional carcinoma
- Serious carcinoma
- Uterine sarcomas
Understanding the Proton Therapy Treatment Process
At the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, every uterine 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.
