Anyone had Proton Beam Therapy for Meningioma?

I'm currently having proton bean radiation for my meningioma tumor grade 2. After a second opinion and my own research, I decided to go with this option. Can't tell about results as I just have done 3 sessions/30 total and all is going great. I'm a health care provider so have access to the Pubmed library through my work. The more educated you are about this, the better you can make decisions. To address your question, proton beam does not "eradicate" the tumor. The purpose of its to put the tumor in remission for some years, hopefully several. This radiation stops the tumor from growing but it doesn't eliminate it. By disrupting the growth, hopefully patients will enjoy some years with quality of life but still being followed periodically depending on each person's protocol. If is very localized, so the risk of damaging surrounding tissue is likely less than that of conventional radiation, however, more research is being done to see if there is significant difference between proton beam and conventional radiation. What my doctors explained to me, is very in line with what I have read in some studies. Every case and tumor are different, so no one treatment fits all. Treatments are personalized for each patient depending on their condition, grade of tumor, location, age of the patient, general health condition, and availability of this equipment. I found many useful comments in this support group, so I'm absolutely committed to reciprocate as I navigate my own experience. Best of luck in your journey!

Hello,

I had proton beam radiation therapy to minimize my meningioma. It was provided to me this February through early March 2023. 15 treatments were the total they provided for me.

Mine was the size of my hand and it had its third regrowth in 4 1/2 years. I have a stage 1 with a fourth grade, a high proliferation index. It was shared this did become “brain cancer” with its third regrowth.

So far, it has been working well with some modifications to this treatment. I’ve had to stay on steroids for now and Avastin (it kills the blood supply to the tumor) for a chemotherapy infusion. My meningioma did shrink in size though! Even with having to take several trips to the local ER with nausea and vomiting this summer. I can say it’s worked out for me so far. Especially with the steroids and Avastin treatments.

I hope as you move forward, this could be a successful outcome for you. Let me know if you have any questions.

Take care,
Jenny

Thank you. I am researching various sites now.

You can research this yourself to find the highest expertise: what is publish about this. You can even call any Proton Beam Therapy center and ask them if they even offer this for eradication of any meningioma tumors. You'll find your answer "with expertise" that is definitive.

I'm very interested to know, also, of anyone who has experienced proton therapy for eradication of meningiomas. Anyone out there who can comment on this with expertise?

Apologies for the confusion. I meant to reply to a different person's posting. Thank you for sharing the information you found.

Incorrect. You may have been reading a different person's post. I DID NOT have proton Beam therapy. I've not have any treatment other than steroids for cerebral edema at the tumor site. My personal research is the only information I posted about. I read legitimate medical sources. Please review my posts for details.

Thank you for your detailed information, and I am glad to hear that you have had restoration of important functions. So, I understand that you did have some significant effects from proton beam radiation despite the fact that is less invasive?

I could find that this 1st post posted so I reposted. Cant find a delete feature. So please ignore this and read my 2nd more brief post.

Hello. I investigated Proton Beam treatment for a meningioma that was found approximately 16 months ago. This tumor is not treatable with surgery or radiation. It can't even be biopsied bc of location. In my independent research of Proton Beam therapy, I learned that it's not radiation. It's not like Cyberknife, etc. Therefore, there isn't tissue destruction that occurs with actual radiation. However, for meningiomas, it does not typically result in tumor reduction. The goal for this is solely to stop tumor growth. This is the limitation of the quantum particle used to attack the tumor and the resistance to destruction of the meningioma tumor itself. The unique benefit that is available with Proton Beam therapy is that this is the only approach that is a consideration for tumors that are located in areas sensitive to consequences for collateral damage, that risks are to high for any other treatments. Proton Beam therapy is used often where the goal includes preserving surrounding tissue. The desired outcome for meningioma treatment is tumor restriction of growth and preservation of surrounding tissue. This is not to say that there may not be some impact upon other adjacent tissue. It's possible. This therapy requires many sequential treatments for meningioma. But since it's not radiation, (which can treat a cancer tumor in as little as a single treatment) there are few after- effects with sessions. The number of Protons Beam machine are increasing across the country. Insurance usually covers the treatment because it's standard and not experimental.
My status is that I'm stable. It appears that the tumor reached an end to growth in the past. I have some blood brain barrier damage and a small amount of cerebral edema at the site of the tumor. The edema is treated with low dose steroids if symptomatic. Occasional steroids resolve limited symptoms associated with the tumor. I have an upcoming MRI. My neurosurgeon said if it's unchanged, I'll be discharged. If they is a problem, we'll revisit the treatment plan.

I'm working on recovery from severe post Covid19 syndrome. That's been my primary struggle. I found an excellent doctor for this problem and I've made noteworthy gains in this area. But I don't have my life fully back yet. But I have significant restoration. Especially in the area of cognition and energy.
As always, I recommend that you carefully evaluate all non- professional information you read and hear. Experiences of others are helpful. Support is sustaining. But medically based information should always be verified. That's for everything you encounter in the Internet. Tho this forum is wonderfully moderated.
Wishing you the best.
Blessing,
RanchoSanteFeCowgirl