Proton therapy could
soon be used in the treatment of prostate cancer patients.
A new study by
researchers at the University of Florida analysed the medical records of 211
men with the disease who were treated with the new technique, which is a
specialised external beam radiation therapy that does not use X-rays.
The doctors found the proton beam to be safe, effective and helped to reduce
side effects associated with other treatments.
In a separate report from the Massachusetts General Hospital, it was found that
the treatment resulted in the same relapse rates as existing methods.
John Coen, a radiation oncologist at the medical centre, said men suffering
from the disease will be able to make their own treatment choices, based upon
quality of life, without fear of "compromising their chance for a
cure".
Prostate cancer is the most common form of the disease among British men and
accounts for a quarter of all their cancer incidences, states Cancer Research
UK.
© Adfero Ltd
Prostate cancer treatment news : 13 January 2012
