Conditions Treated with Protons
Proton radiation can be used to treat any cancer or other disease that can be treated with conventional irradiation. Since the Proton Treatment Center opened, protons have been used to treat an ever-expanding list of cancers and non-cancerous problems.
Protons are used for a variety of common cancer treatment situations, and Loma Linda University Medical Center is constantly working to expand the list of conditions treated with protons.
Proton radiation is LOCAL treatment where side effects are minimal or nonexistent. It is meant to treat cancers or other diseases that are limited to one place in the patient’s body. It is not used to cure cancers that are systemic in nature, such as leukemia. It is also not used for cancers that have spread widely to other places in the body. It may be used, however, to relieve symptoms arising from localized metastases.
Below is a partial list of the diseases currently treated with protons at Loma Linda University Medical Center:
Brain and Spinal Cord
- Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) - Treatment of defects of the circulatory system
- Isolated Brain Metastases - High radiation reduces symptoms
- Pituitary Adenomas - Fractionated radiation over radiosurgery
Base of Skull
- Acoustic Neuromas - Benign tumors affecting hearing
- Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas - Tumors of the brain stem, spinal cord or central nervous system
- Meningiomas - Tumors treated in a few treatments
Eye
- Uveal Melanomas - Malignant tumors treated with protons to minimize eye removal need
Head and Neck
- Nasopharynx - Local carcinoma treatment via protons to reduce side effects
- Oropharynx Cancer (locally advanced) - Dose localization to minimize healthy tissue damage
Chest and Abdomen
- Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas - Tumors of the brain stem, spinal cord or central nervous system
- Early Lung Cancer - Local treatment to minimize lung injury
Pelvis
- Prostate Cancer - High dose, localized treatment for higher survival rate and minimal side effects
Tumors in Children
- Brain Tumors - Highly individualized localized treatment options via protons
- Orbital and Ocular Tumors - Proton treatment to prevent healthy lens and anterior chamber damage
- Sarcomas of the Base of Skull and Spine - A variety of conditions now treated in children