Proton beam therapy for DCIS?

ElleDee

It's the newbie again, looking to learn from the experiences of others as I navigate decisions.

Has anyone opted for proton bean therapy instead of regular radiation following lumpectomy for DCIS? Or been advised by their doctor *not* to do proton bean therapy for DCIS?

Here's a quick overview courtesy of Johns Hopkins: What is proton therapy? Proton therapy, also known as proton beam therapy, is a form of radiation treatment used to destroy tumor cells. Instead of using x-rays like regular radiation treatment, it uses protons to sends beams of high energy that can target tumors more precisely than X-ray radiation.

LivinLife

I was unable to have radiation due to having scleroderma. I opted to meet once with radiation oncology for due diligence anyways. the doc was quite straightforward about risks, etc. he also mentioned proton (or photon????) radiation as more precise and decreasing risk of heart and lung damage as a result. We do not have that kind of radiation where I live though I found all of that interesting.... If you have access to that sounds like it may be the way to go....???

Moderators

Hi ElleDee,

There's some good info on proton radiation on the main Breastcancer.org site too: https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/radiation/e...

We hope this helps!

--The Mods