Proton therapy shows promise in head and neck cancer treatment: new research
New clinical research has provided strong evidence that proton therapy, a type of radiation treatment, offers significant benefits for patients with head and neck cancer. This pivotal trial, the first of its kind, has been hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against this aggressive form of cancer.
Head and neck cancers are those that generally begin in the squamous cells that line the head and neck’s mucosal surfaces (e.g. those inside the voice box, throat and mouth). While they can also begin in the head and neck’s nerves/muscles, sinuses or salivary glands, such cases are much less common. These cancers can be difficult to treat due to their proximity to so many other organs and glands. Traditional radiation therapy, while effective, can damage surrounding healthy tissues, leading to side effects such as dry mouth and difficulty speaking and swallowing, among others.
Proton therapy is a more precise form of radiation treatment that uses beams of protons to target cancer cells. Protons have the unique ability to deposit their energy directly in the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision allows for higher doses of radiation to be delivered to the tumor, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects.
The multi-institution Phase III trial’s results were presented on Wednesday at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting by Steven Frank, M.D., professor of Radiation Oncology and executive director of the Particle Therapy Institute at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
National Association for Proton Therapy executive director Jennifer Maggiore said in the association’s press release, “This pivotal trial provides level-one evidence supporting the use of proton therapy for head and neck cancer and demonstrates the positive impact proton therapy can have on a patient’s health during and after treatment.”
She added, “This is significant because reducing side effects is valuable in supporting patient quality of life. Proton therapy can also lower payor costs and alleviate patient financial toxicity by reducing out-of-pocket spending and loss of income related to side effects.”
Featured photo is of the control panel of the synchrocyclotron at the Orsay proton therapy center in France. Photo credit: David Monniaux. License: CC BY-SA 3.0
