The purpose of this web site is to provide information for men diagnosed with Prostate Cancer so they can make an informed decision about all options for their own treatment. A second opinion from a Proton expert explaining the Proton option is extremely important.
Harvard University began "proton" treatment in 1961 for other medical conditions and treated the prostate beginning in 1979. Proton treatment started at Loma Linda University and Medical Center in 1990 and prostate treatment began in 1991. Dr. James Slater MD had the vision and was the impetus for starting Proton treatment in a University environment at Loma Linda, and he recognized that Protons, [Protons with an "R"] act differently than conventional three dimensional radiation or IMRT that use focused Photons, (X-Rays). Please look at the information concerning the "Bragg Peak" and how its' action relates to Proton treatment and the proton's accuracy. Also, see the graphic on how a typical Proton center is set up. It takes the right tools to do the job and Loma Linda has the tools and "leading edge" experience with Prostate Cancer, treating over 8,000 men through 2007 for Prostate cancer and an overall total of 12,000 for other cancers and benign conditions.
I am the web site owner and have been treated for prostate cancer using Proton Therapy at Loma Linda University Medical Center. It seems reasonable that professional people who deal with men with Prostate Cancer have the responsibility to know all treatments that are available with proven efficacy, and provide that knowledge to patients seeking information upon which they make their very personal decision regarding Prostate Cancer treatment.
For me, the results have been dramatic - I went to Loma Linda with a PSA of 15.9 in July 1999 and now my PSA is less than 0.1, demonstrating excellent results. I have experienced minor side effects; however at over 77 years old, my quality of life is perfect and I believe in the non-invasive proton treatment system as the best possible choice for men with "Prostate Cancer". In addition, Loma Linda Proton Center treats many other body sites for cancers or benign tumors of the brain, eye, head and neck, spinal cord, lung, breast, abdomen, pelvis, and some forms of macular degeneration of the eye. I will happily answer any questions regarding my own treatment and results via email - you can click on the Contact link up top to send me a message.
It's very important to read testimonies from many of these men at www.ProtonBob.com to help you make an informed decision about your own Prostate. Read Bob Marckini’s great book “You Can Beat Prostate Cancer, and You Don’t Need Surgery to Do It”.
Five sites in the United States provide Proton treatment, (1) Loma Linda, CA, (2) the Francis H. Burr Proton Therapy Center in Boston, (3) the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute in Bloomington, IN, (4) the M D Anderson Proton Therapy Center, and (5) the Florida Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, Florida, which opened its new Proton Institue on October 13, 2006 is treating Prostate Cancer patients. You'll find web addresses for these sites on the Links page.
Your own doctor should be the source for medical advice on the method of treatment, however, it may be useful to contact the doctors at Loma Linda University Medical Center, or other proton treatment experts, and obtain a very important second opinion.
