John Theurer Cancer Center Forms Partnership with ProCure NJ to Offer Advanced Proton Therapy for Cancer
What you need to know
John Theurer Cancer Center will now offer the most technologically advanced method to deliver radiation treatments to cancerous tumors called proton beam therapy (“proton therapy”) through a new clinical affiliation with ProCure Proton Therapy Center (ProCure NJ) in Somerset, NJ.
More details on proton beam therapy
In proton beam therapy the particles called protons enter the body at a low energy level and release most of their energy upon impact with the tumor, so there is no "exit" dose reducing by over 60% the exposure to radiation of nearby healthy tissues. This is an especially important benefit when a tumor is located near critical organs or structures such as the brain, heart, or spinal cord. As proton beam therapy delivers highly-targeted energy (pin-point radiation) with less toxicity, higher doses can be delivered to the tumor safely. Proton beam therapy is now recognized as at least as effective as conventional radiation therapy with much less toxicity.
Treating with proton beam therapy
Proton therapy is effective for treating certain types of cancers as well as some non-cancerous tumors. Each patient's doctors can help them determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Proton therapy may be an option for patients with these types of cancers:
- Prostate cancer
- Brain tumors
- Certain cancers in children
- Head and neck tumors
- Skull- based tumors
- Tumors near the spine
- Lung tumors
- Esophageal cancers
- Breast cancers
- Lymphomas
- Testicular cancers
Proton therapy can be especially beneficial for children, who can experience more serious short- and long-term side effects from x-ray radiation than adults. Clinical studies suggest that proton therapy reduces the risk of growth and developmental problems, as well as secondary tumors. Children receiving cancer treatment at the Children’s Cancer Institute at Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital also have access to proton therapy at ProCure NJ.
Appointments
Patients interested in making an appointment with a radiation oncologist at John Theurer Cancer Center, may call 551-996-5855. For pediatric cancer care, call 551-996-5437.