Get the Facts About Protons

Despite its benefits, proton therapy isn’t the right choice for everyone. Chemotherapy, surgery, or conventional x-ray radiation treatments may be the best treatment for some cancers. The RWJUH Cancer Team often combines proton therapy with these treatments as part of a comprehensive plan. Because all of these treatments are offered at RWJUH, patients receive the most appropriate, effective treatment for their tumors all in the same convenient location.

Sparing normal tissues is especially critical in the treatment of pediatric cancers, which often makes proton therapy the preferred option for treating tumors in children. Proton therapy can also be used for the treatment of several adult cancers, including ocular melanoma, tumors of the skull base, tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), lung cancer, various GI malignancies, and prostate cancer.

Since proton therapy can be used for a variety of disease sites and conditions, the first step is to discuss all options with your doctor to develop the best treatment plan for you.