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Trying to decide on treatment for prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Apr 12 10:36am | Replies (38)

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Profile picture for Jeff Marchi @jeffmarc

@clevelandguy
At the Mayo Clinic monthly online meeting a couple of days ago, the radiation oncologist discussed proton radiation. He said the Mayo Clinic now has four proton machines and is adding two more. He said he personally has only used it twice. When people ask about it, he tells them that there is really no significant difference between proton and photon.

This is from a radiologist at Mayo, Interesting point of view.

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Replies to "@clevelandguy At the Mayo Clinic monthly online meeting a couple of days ago, the radiation oncologist..."

@jeffmarc
Hi,
The difference between the two is that the Proton beam has a fixed length and does not extend the beam past the cancer and cause collateral damage in the bladder or rectum. With photon they typically use a jell between the cancer and bladder/colon for protection. Also Proton can be used in the same area once you have maxed out with radiation dosages.
Dave 3+4