“Proton therapy brings new possibilities in the treatment of brain and spinal cord tumours”, says Dr Štěpán Vinakurau, chief physician for the treatment of brain and spinal cord tumours.
The Proton Therapy Center in Prague uses unique and innovative treatment procedures that minimise undesirable exposure of the surrounding tissues, such as the optic and auditory nerve, hippocampus, or brain stem to radiation. The benefits of proton radiotherapy for tumours of the central nervous system may already be seen in the course of treatment when the vast majority of patients are able to undergo treatment without hospitalisation.
Proton therapy is exceptional, in particular, because it demonstrably reduces the risk of side effects while also rendering excellent treatment results. It is extremely useful for the treatment of central nervous system tumours, as it allows for the delivery of the dose required to destroy the tumour with minimum possible irradiation of the surrounding healthy tissues. This means that we are able to significantly reduce the risk of adverse effects and to mitigate potential risks such as damage to the vision, hearing and cognitive functions.
At the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, proton therapy is used to treat:
- skull base tumours (chordomas and chondrosarcomas);
- meningiomas;
- low-grade gliomas;
- pituitary adenomas;
- acoustic neuroma;
- craniofaryngeoma;
- medulloblastoma.
Advantages of proton therapy over conventional radiotherapy
Irradiation of the central nervous system is one of the most demanding for both the patient and the doctor. There are many radiation-sensitive structures in this area that can be damaged but, at the same time, high doses are needed to destroy the tumor. Standard radiotherapy is not always able to solve this situation.
Proton therapy:
- allows to significantly reduce the dose of unwanted radiation to the brain and thus prevent the risk of memory disorders;
- allows to significantly reduce the doses to the optic nerves, thus reducing the risk of vision reduction or loss;
- reduces the risk of hearing impairment or loss, especially in the high frequency range;
- reduces the risk of damage to mental and hormonal functions;
- reduces the likelihood of developing secondary tumours.
Irradiation of the central nervous system is one of the most demanding for both the patient and the doctor. There are many radiation-sensitive structures in this area that can be damaged but, at the same time, high doses are needed to destroy the tumor. Standard radiotherapy is not always able to solve this situation.
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PROTON IRRADIATION
Protons target the tumour directly, sparing healthy tissues and organs from unwanted effects. |
PHOTON IRRADIATION
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Photons irradiate the tumour as well as the healthy tissues and organs around it.Radiotherapy plays an irreplaceable role in the comprehensive treatment of CNS cancer.
Proton therapy in Prague
In order to choose the optimal treatment, it is important to receive comprehensive and comprehensible information. If radiotherapy has been recommended to you, ask the treating oncologist about all the available irradiation methods as well as treatment-related side effects. These may significantly affect the quality of your life during and after treatment. Our physicians have many years of experience in radiotherapy. Moreover, they are experienced in both standard (photon) and proton radiation therapy and are prepared to answer all of your questions. Do not hesitate to contact us.
The treatment is outpatient, and you come to the Proton Therapy Center for radiation and regular check-ups during treatment. One visit takes about 60 minutes while the radiation is a matter of a few minutes. Prior to each radiation session, we carefully check your position using X-ray scans and carry out certain other checks necessary to commence irradiating. At least once a week, you undergo check-ups with the physician who will go through the treatment progress with you and check your condition.
In most cases, the whole treatment takes about 30 business days, according to the regime determined by the physician on the basis of the initial assessment and other diagnostic tests.
