Proton vs Photon Radiation Is there much difference?

Posted by trustinhim @trustinhim, Jun 7 7:35pm

Scheduled for Proton radiation after right tonsil and right neck dissection. Already have had four infusions of Keytruda, Paclitaxel and Carboplatin. Now they want me to have 7 weeks of radiation along with chemotherapy. I guess my question is after reading all the side effects from radiation and wanting quality over quantity. Has anyone decided on no radiation and with what results. Thank you,

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 7 8:09pm

@trustinhim, you may also be interested in these related discussions:
- Oral cancer: proton vs photon radiation? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/proton-vs-photon-radiation/
-Types of radiation therapy and chemo therapy combinations https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/types-of-radiation-therapy-and-chemo-therapy-combinations/

William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Jun 7 8:49pm

To answer the initial question, proton is far more precise, pinpoint as it were, than Photon radiation. Proton can target the tumor leaving tissue behind, above, below, and in front virtually untouched.
Because it is far less invasive, we can say it is superior. Personally, I wish it was available when I needed it years ago.

trustinhim | @trustinhim | Jun 7 9:28pm

Thank you for all the information you provide on these post.

jonesja | @jonesja | Jun 8 10:47am

I vote for Proton all the way. Hang in there as things will get better! The best way I can explain is to tell my story. See below...
I was diagnosed with HPV 16+cancer of base of tongue March 2023. I am 58. I had TORS surgery to remove tumor and lymph nodes through right neck dissection. 2 of which had cancer. Radiation followed about 45 days later. I chose Proton vs Photon Radiation as I feel it is much less damaging . In my opinion Proton is more targeted with less side effects. However, It is a battle as insurance companies do not want to pay for Proton when Photon is 50% less costly or more. Proton is like a pencil beam hitting the target and stopping. Photon is more like a flashlight beam which travels through the target area. I had to drive an hour to Proton treatment. Alot of people drive much farther. I am currently 2 years post 30 rounds of Proton Radiation to "cleanup" any cancer that may have been left behind from HPV16 base of tongue and Few Lymph nodes . I opted out of any Chemo treatment. l was very worried about going on a feed tubing , Dysphagia and Not being about to swallow (eat or drink). I started doing mouth, Neck, Tongue and swallowing exercises prior to proton Radiation. If you have a Speech therapist they can help you with this. It was a struggle to eat during radiation and I FORCED myself. You will lose your appetite and everything has no taste. However as far as today. I can eat and drink about anything I want. My taste buds are about 95% back, My throat mucositis has almost gone away, Saliva production is about 90% back, My stamina is back to about 90% . I had a throat scope and CT scan every 3 months for the first two years. I have now gone to every 6 months. You should also ask about the NavDx Blood test for HPV 16. It will become more important once you have completed your treatment to monitor any HPV 16 cancer activity in your system. I continue to be cancer free as of today. Trust in your faith as It will help you on your journey. God speed!

samclembeau | @samclembeau | Jun 8 1:13pm

I vote for proton.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | 2 days ago

@trustinhim I’m concerned that at this stage of your cancer treatment you’re questioning your treatment team. This is such a specialized field and takes years of training and caring to do oncology medicine. Did you speak with your treatment team about your concerns so obtain the best end results?