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 using Protons 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), and all other modalities that use X-Rays. This June 24th, 2009 blog post includes a video explaining how the proton works. 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 9,500 men through 2009 to date for Prostate cancer and an overall total of 14,000 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 as of November 3, 2009 is less than 0.1, demonstrating excellent results. Early post treatment, I have experienced minor side effects; however at over 79 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, the Loma Linda Proton Center and other Proton Centers treat 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 Institute on October 13, 2006 is treating Prostate Cancer patients. Soon the Roberts Cancer Center at University of Pennsylvania will be in operation in Philadelphia. Procure Proton Therapy is open in Oklahoma City, OK and is also linked on this website. You'll find web addresses for these sites on the Links page.
NO MEDICAL ADVICE: Material appearing here represents opinions offered by non-medically-trained laypersons. Comments shown here should NEVER be interpreted as specific medical advice and must be used only as background information when consulting with a qualified medical professional.
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