Proton beam therapy, also known as proton therapy, is a cutting-edge type of radiation therapy used for some types of cancer in children, teens and adults. It can be effective with fewer side effects than other types of radiation.
Only a few medical centers in the U.S. offer this high-tech cancer treatment. In fall 2024, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Proton & Advanced Radiation Center will become the only center in the Carolinas to offer proton therapy.
Our facility unites experts across Levine Cancer and Atrium Health Levine Children's in a supportive environment that prioritizes your comfort. And when you come to us for care, a dedicated team of specialists will work together to ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your specific diagnosis.
In December 2023, a state-of-the-art accelerator unit – the engine of the proton center – was delivered to our facility in Charlotte. Weighing in at 15 tons, this crucial piece of equipment will serve as the powerhouse for proton beam therapy when installation is complete in 2024.
Proton therapy uses strong, focused energy beams to deliver radiation to a tumor. The radiation destroys tumor cells so the tumor starts shrinking.
Other types of radiation therapy also work by damaging tumor cells, but can harm surrounding healthy tissue. Proton therapy is powerful because it is very precise. This means it can directly hit the tumor with radiation with a lower risk of damage to healthy tissue.
Proton therapy has many potential benefits, including:
Proton therapy can treat many different kinds of cancer. It’s most often used to treat tumors that are very close to a vital organ and haven’t metastasized or spread to other parts of your body. Sometimes proton therapy is the only treatment you need. It can also be used in combination with other therapies.
Some of the conditions we treat with proton therapy include:
If you or your loved one has one of these conditions, our expert team can evaluate if proton therapy is right for you.
If your doctor recommends proton therapy, we’ll make sure you know what to expect at every step.
Your first visit will be a consultation to decide if proton therapy is right for you. Doctors will then perform several advanced imaging tests to pinpoint the size, shape and location of the tumor. This information helps them plan the most effective treatment.
We’ll help you get into position on the treatment table so you’ll be comfortable and the proton beams can best reach the tumor. You’ll hear a clicking sound from the machine as it delivers proton radiation beams, but you won’t feel or see them.
Most patients come in for treatment 5 days a week for several weeks. The number of treatments you need will be determined with your doctor. You can typically go home after a session is complete and return to normal activities after each session.
You can begin referring patients for proton therapy in fall 2024. We’ll evaluate your patient for the full range of oncological therapies to determine if proton therapy or another therapy is best for them. We keep you informed and involved throughout their treatment and transition them back to your care when treatment is complete.
Check back here in the coming months for more information about proton therapy referrals. For questions about referrals, please reach out to our proton beam coordinator at ProtonTherapy@AtriumHealth.org. If you'd like to refer a patient to Levine Cancer for other treatments and care, please call 980-442-2000.
Our team includes national leaders in radiation oncology who are experts in the full range of radiation therapies. Meet our proton therapy providers.
The number of treatments varies greatly based on the type of cancer you have. Typically, patients receive proton therapy 5 days a week for several weeks. We customize your treatment plan to include the number of treatments recommended for your specific condition.
Proton therapy is a painless procedure, and most patients experience manageable side effects. Sometimes these side effects can build over time. For example, you may not experience any symptoms after your first treatment, but you may feel mild side effects after a few treatments. The specific side effects you may experience also depend on the part of your body that’s being treated.
Some possible side effects include:
Tell your care team if you experience side effects after proton therapy. They may be able to help relieve the symptoms or provide information about when they typically go away.
The radiation only stays in the targeted area of your body during the treatment session. Your body won’t give off radiation or pose any risks to others.
A proton therapy treatment can range from 15 minutes to more than an hour. This range depends on what part of your body is receiving treatment.
Much of this time is spent ensuring you’re in the best position for the proton beams to directly target the tumor. The amount of time that proton beams are delivered to the tumor is usually only a few minutes.
Your care team will explain what to expect from your personalized treatment plan.
We recommend speaking to your insurance provider directly to better understand your coverage. Our team will help you navigate insurance challenges and understand your coverage choices.
Yes. Atrium Health’s Global Healthcare Services team can help with things like travel arrangements, accommodations and cost. These services are available if you live outside of NC or SC.
Proton therapy isn’t available at Levine Cancer yet. It will be available in fall 2024. As we get closer to offering proton therapy, we’ll update this page with information about appointment requests and doctor referrals.
In the meantime, you can work with your doctor on the best treatment plan and learn more about other radiation therapy options at Levine Cancer that may be right for you.
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