For Prospective Patients
Introduction
- Proton therapy involves a strong dose of radiation aimed at the cancer sites to reduce the amount absorbed by healthy tissue, so normally we can expect high levels of effectiveness and reduced side effects. However, like other treatment methods, there is the chance of relapse.
- Proton therapy is not suitable for all types of cancer. Some target diseases may also be judged as unsuitable for proton therapy.
- Patients will be required to maintain the same position (on their back, for example) for about 20 to 30 minutes while they undergo treatment.
Treatment Stages
Examination(Judgment of suitability)
We use your letter of introduction, CT and MRI scans, and other materials with the examination to ascertain the status of the cancer site and judge whether it can be treated using proton therapy. We are glad for the patients to have someone who can understand Japanese participate in procedure. Next, we explain the therapy itself.
Cancer Board
We will consider the most suitable treatment for you in consultation with physicians from other departments.
Examination(Deciding on proton therapy)
We will explain the treatment policy, including the results from the Cancer Board.
Explanation from radiologic technologist
We will explain the tasks leading up to the proton therapy (fabricating braces, CT scans, etc.) and what you can expect in the daily proton therapy sessions.
Explanation of cost of treatment
The medical supervisor explains the cost of treatment.
Brace fabrication
During proton therapy, you will need to maintain the same posture each time, for the duration of each session. That is why we need to make braces for you.
The braces are fabricated to fit your body, with suction-type braces on the pillow under your head and under your body, and a stabilizing shell enclosing your body from above.
CT scan(for treatment planning)
You will be given a CT scan supported by the braces. The CT data will be used to create a treatment plan. You will be positioned in a way that can be replicated for each therapy session.
If needed, we will take X-ray simulator photos, and MRI/PET scans.
(It will take about a week from the CT scan to the first day of treatment.)
If needed, we will take X-ray simulator photos, and MRI/PET scans.
(It will take about a week from the CT scan to the first day of treatment.)
Treatment Plan
We will input the position and shape of the cancer for treatment into a special computer program for treatment plans, and calculate such things as the irradiation dosage, direction of the proton beam, and number of sessions, to find the optimal irradiation method.
Treatment Plan Conference
We will study what treatment plan is suited for you, taking multiple approaches, and using input from physicians, radiological technologists, science researchers (equivalent in specialization to medical physicists), and nurses.
Fabrication of bolus and machined collimator
We will fabricate the bolus and machined collimator using specialized equipment.
Confirmation of treatment plan
We will set the fabricated bolus and machined collimator, as well as the machine parameters, to the same positions as when actually irradiating you with proton beams, and start the irradiation. We will check that the volume of protons actually being radiated and their distribution are the same as the treatment plan created on the computer.
First day of proton therapy
Consultation(explanation of treatment plan)
Based on the treatment plan, we will explain the effects and side-effects we expect to see.
Proton therapy
X-ray photos
Lying on the bed in the irradiation chamber, with the fabricated braces attached, you will be X-rayed from front and back. The bed is then carefully adjusted to position you the same as in the treatment plan.
(The first time, the supervising physician will need to confirm the positioning, which will take about 15 to 30 minutes.)
Lying on the bed in the irradiation chamber, with the fabricated braces attached, you will be X-rayed from front and back. The bed is then carefully adjusted to position you the same as in the treatment plan.
(The first time, the supervising physician will need to confirm the positioning, which will take about 15 to 30 minutes.)
Proton beam irradiation
After adjusting positioning, we will prepare the proton beam irradiation, and then start actual irradiation. The actual irradiation time is normally about a minute or two, but this may differ if we need to time it with your breathing or adjust it depending on the area involved.
After adjusting positioning, we will prepare the proton beam irradiation, and then start actual irradiation. The actual irradiation time is normally about a minute or two, but this may differ if we need to time it with your breathing or adjust it depending on the area involved.
During proton therapy
Consultation(checking progress)
We will check progress during therapy to identify any side effects and counter them.
Proton therapy
X-ray photos
Just as for the initial treatment, you will lie on the bed in the irradiation chamber, with the braces in place, and X-rays will be taken to adjust the bed to the correct position.
(Adjusting the position after the first time will normally take about 5 to 10 minutes.)
Just as for the initial treatment, you will lie on the bed in the irradiation chamber, with the braces in place, and X-rays will be taken to adjust the bed to the correct position.
(Adjusting the position after the first time will normally take about 5 to 10 minutes.)
Proton beam irradiation
Just as for the initial treatment, we will prepare the proton beam irradiation, and then start the actual irradiation.
Just as for the initial treatment, we will prepare the proton beam irradiation, and then start the actual irradiation.
Follow-up treatment
After the proton therapy has finished, we will need to stay in contact with your doctor and monitor your progress. If necessary, we may need to examine you again at the Center.
