Proton Beam Therapy

Proton therapy is a type of radiation treatment that uses protons — tiny particles found in atoms — to target and destroy cancer cells. These protons are delivered through a machine that directs a focused beam of energy into the tumor.

What makes proton therapy unique is how the energy is released. The proton beam delivers most of its energy directly at the tumor and then stops, which helps protect nearby healthy tissues and organs. This precision allows for effective treatment while reducing the risk of side effects.

Before treatment begins, your care team uses imaging scans to create a detailed plan that guides the proton beam exactly where it’s needed.

Both proton therapy and traditional radiation therapy (also called photon or X-ray therapy) are used to treat cancer by damaging the DNA of cancer cells. The key difference is how the energy is delivered and where it goes in the body.

Traditional radiation uses X-rays (photons) that pass through the body, which means healthy tissues before and after the tumor can receive radiation. Proton therapy, on the other hand, uses protons that stop once they reach the tumor – delivering radiation exactly where it’s needed and no farther.

Because it’s so targeted, proton therapy may cause fewer side effects. It’s especially useful for treating tumors near sensitive areas – like the brain, spine or heart – or when combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Every cancer – and every patient – is unique. Proton therapy is a highly precise form of radiation, but it isn’t always the best or only option.

Traditional radiation therapy (also called photon or X-ray therapy) is a well-established, effective treatment used safely for many types of cancer. It remains a trusted choice for many patients and may be more widely available depending on your diagnosis and care plan.

The best way to decide is by talking with your radiation oncologist. They’ll consider your type of cancer, its location, your overall health, and your treatment goals to help you choose the approach that offers the best possible outcome and quality of life.

Yes, proton therapy can be especially helpful for children with certain cancers.

Because children’s bodies are still growing, it’s important to limit radiation exposure to healthy tissues. Proton therapy allows doctors to precisely target the tumor while reducing radiation to nearby organs and developing areas of the body.

This can lower the risk of side effects during treatment and reduce the chance of long-term problems later in life.

Your child’s care team will help determine if proton therapy is the right option based on their specific diagnosis and needs.

Your radiation oncologist is the doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. They’ll work closely with you and your care team to choose the type of radiation that’s best for your specific cancer. They also lead your treatment team and oversee your care throughout the process.

Behind the scenes, a dosimetrist works with your radiation oncologist to carefully plan the exact dose and direction of your treatment. Then, a team of radiation therapists will guide you through each session. They’ll position you for treatment and operate the equipment that delivers the radiation.

During treatment, the therapists step out of the room – but don’t worry, they’re watching closely through cameras and microphones to make sure you’re safe and comfortable.

You’ll meet with your radiation oncologist regularly – usually once a week, or every 5 treatments. These check-ins, called on-treatment visits (OTVs), are a chance to monitor your progress, answer questions and adjust your care plan if needed.

We do our best to schedule your OTVs on the same day as your treatment, so you don’t have to make an extra trip. If anything comes up between visits, your nurse is always available and can connect with your doctor on your behalf. Your care team is here to support you throughout your treatment journey.

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.

A CT sim, short for “CT simulation,” is an important step in preparing for proton therapy. During this appointment, you’ll lie on a treatment table in the exact position needed for your therapy. We’ll take detailed images to help our team plan your treatment with precision.

If needed, we’ll create a custom device – like a mask, headrest or cushion – to help you stay comfortably in the same position during each session. This helps ensure your treatment is as accurate and effective as possible.

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:

• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Hair loss at the treatment site
• Skin irritation

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. 

No, you are not radioactive after your treatment. Proton therapy uses a controlled beam of energy created by a machine called a linear accelerator. Once the beam is turned off, there’s no radiation in your body. You’re completely safe to be around others right after your session.

A proton therapy treatment session 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.

The best place to start is by talking with your doctor – they will lead the referral process, working closely with our advanced radiation therapy experts.

When a referral is made, there are several factors our providers carefully consider to determine the best possible treatment plan, which may include proton beam therapy or other highly-effective forms of radiation therapy.

If you would like to connect directly with our proton team, please complete the form on this page to request a consultation and our proton beam coordinator will be in touch within 2 to 3 business days.

Once you're confirmed as a candidate for proton therapy, a member of our proton team will help schedule your simulation (or “sim”) planning session. During this visit, we’ll take detailed images to help design your personalized treatment plan.

After your sim, our radiation oncologists, medical physicists and dosimetrists work together to create a plan tailored to your needs. This planning process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Once it’s ready, your treatment can begin.