A new approach to delivering radiation has shown promising results in treating a difficult-to-target cancer, resulting in minimal side effects. The step-and-shoot proton arc therapy uses a proton beam to deliver precise and continuous radiation to the tumor site, reducing tissue damage and protecting nearby healthy tissues.
Researchers at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Michigan used this innovative method to treat a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare and highly invasive type of cancer. The treatment was highly effective, with no reported side effects other than mild skin discoloration nine months after treatment.
The new technology allows doctors to target the tumor with greater precision, reducing the risk of complications typically associated with traditional radiation therapy. This outcome has been especially meaningful for 46-year-old Tiffiney Beard, who received the treatment and remains cancer-free.
Beard’s case study was presented at the International Symposium on Proton Therapy in Philadelphia and will be at the Particle Therapy Cooperative Group annual meeting in Buenos Aires. The next-generation proton beam therapy, DynamicARC, is expected to receive FDA approval next year and has the potential to further transform cancer treatment.
The development of targeted radiation therapies like step-and-shoot proton arc therapy represents a significant breakthrough in cancer treatment. While traditional radiation therapy can be invasive and toxic, these new approaches aim to minimize side effects while maximizing effectiveness. As research continues, patients may have access to more effective and less debilitating treatments for rare and difficult-to-treat cancers.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/breakthrough-proton-therapy-wipes-out-rare-cancer-with-no-side-effects