Proton Beam Therapy

I would like to know how Proton therapy compares to Brachytherapy.

Proton Beam is an external beam of radiation. Brachytherapy is the implantation of radioactive seeds within the prostate itself. Standard IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) is also external therapy, as it says above in the article.

I can't believe it has taken this long to recognize the many advantages of proton beam therapy for prostate cancer.

It is as or more effective than any other treatment option.

It has fewer of the unpleasant side effects than any other option.

And, it is now available in several centers around the country (USA).

From personal experience and discussions with other patients, it appears that very few urologists recommend it or even know aobut it, but all of us can tell you that it is the treatment of choice.

Find out about it the way I did, search the internet!

Re: Proton Beam Therapy Exactly what do you mean by rectal toxicity? Would it be the same damage that is done to the rectum by IMRT i.e. rectal bleeding? I thought that the balloon they insert in the rectum avoided most of that. I am going for my consultation in a week , should I reconsider this method?

AFTER PROTON RADIATION FOR PROSTATE CANCER, MY HUSBAND HAS TERRIBLE HIP PAIN. ARTHRITIS HAS BEEN RULED OUT. SCHEDULED FOR A BONE DENSITY TEST ON 6/13. ANY COMMENTS ON THE HIP PAIN WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED.

POSTED THIS EARLIER, BUT DON'T KNOW IF IT POSTED OR NOT.

I have read that there was some concern that PBT might not be good for the hips. Dr. A. Zietman wrote in an Aug 2007 article comparing IMRT and PBT: "...What then matters more, a low dose to the pelvis or a higher dose to the hips - more rectal or bladder cancers or more hip fractures?" Has there been any follow-up to the patient who was suffering from hip pain after his PBT?

I had a radical prostatectomy in 2003. Subsequent PSA Was 0.1 in 2004, 2005,2006, 2007, and 2008.PSA today is 0.7. Radiation therapy as a result of the elevated PSA is recommended. Margins were clear after surgery. Todays digital exam "no problem". Am I on the right therapy path? PSA at time of surgery was 6.0.

PS: Age 69 with no other known health problems.