Fall Back Into Your Health Routine
As students head back to class and routine takes over, it’s easy to push your health to the bottom of the list. But if you’re facing or recently treated for breast cancer, now is an important time to consider precision care that focuses on long-term quality of life.
Kansas City Proton Institute (KCPI) in Overland Park, KS, offers advanced proton therapy—a highly targeted form of radiation ideal for breast cancer patients who want to protect their heart, lungs, and overall well-being while receiving treatment with minimal side effects.
How Does Proton Therapy Differ From Traditional Radiation?
Proton therapy uses a pencil-thin beam of protons that deposit radiation precisely inside the tumor and stop at a targeted depth. Unlike traditional X-ray (photon) therapies where radiation travels through and beyond the tumor, protons deliver minimal exit dose to healthy nearby tissues like the heart and lungs.
A 2020 study published in JAMA Oncology found proton therapy patients were two-thirds less likely to experience serious side effects like hospitalization compared to those who received photon therapy, without sacrificing effectiveness or survival rates.
This precision is especially beneficial for left-sided breast cancer, where minimizing heart exposure can reduce long-term cardiovascular risks.
Are You a Good Candidate for Proton Therapy?
Proton therapy is especially effective when:
- The tumor is near sensitive organs like the heart, lungs, or ribs.
- Previous radiation treatment limits your retreatment options.
- You’re younger or have long-term survivorship goals.
- Your cardiovascular risk is higher, especially with left-side tumors.
Several large trials, including over 1,200 patients enrolled by early 2024, are comparing proton vs. photon therapy for locally advanced breast cancer, and researchers hope to see improvements in long‑term heart outcomes and patient well-being.
The Effectiveness of Proton Therapy Treatment
In terms of cancer control and survival, proton therapy performs on par with photon radiation. A multi-center trial of 1,500+ patients found three‑year survival rates of 56% in proton-treated patients vs. 58% in photon-treated patients, while the rate of hospitalization for severe side effects was significantly lower in the proton group (12% vs. 28%) (cancer.gov).
For breast cancer patients: Proton therapy’s precision protects the heart and lungs, reducing risk of secondary malignancies and long-term toxicity, making it an attractive option for preserving quality of life over time.
KCPI’s Proton Therapy Treatment Plan
Kansas City Proton Institute’s Overland Park outpatient facility provides cutting-edge cancer care in a convenient, patient-friendly setting! You can expect kindness, professionalism, and the following general treatment roadmap:
1. Personalized, Initial Evaluation & Planning
- You will have a consultation with our radiation oncology team.
- A customized treatment plan is developed based on imaging and tumor location.
- Use of advanced dosimetry tools are employed during treatment for minimal side effects.
2. Patient Setup & Treatment Sessions
- We’ll schedule sessions with you Monday – Friday for several weeks.
- Each appointment involves precise positioning in a gantry machine.
- Actual proton beam delivery lasts just a few minutes; total visit time may be 30–45 minutes!
3. Continued Monitoring & Treatment Adjustments
- We’ll perform weekly CT scans to monitor your individual progress.
- Your treatment plan may be adjusted if tumor size or shape changes.
4. Post-Treatment Support by KCPI
- A nurse navigator guides you through insurance, logistics, and side effects.
- You’ll have access to support services—helping reduce stress during treatment.
The Side Effects of Proton Therapy Treatment
Proton therapy is generally well tolerated, but some patients may experience:
- Fatigue. Often the most common side effect, requiring rest.
- Skin redness or irritation at the beam entrance site.
- Rare rib fractures in specific cases due to dose‐LET effects; ongoing LET optimization help to minimize these risks.
- Lower overall long-term organ damage than would occur with photon therapy—especially heart and lung tissues.
NOTE: If you’ve received treatment and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, feel free to give us a call for more information. For emergencies, contact emergency services, or: 911.
Follow a KCPI Patient’s Breast Cancer Treatment Journey
KCPI partnered with a local patient who had left-sided breast cancer and lymph node involvement. Her earlier traditional radiation therapy led to persistent fatigue and heart concerns, prompting her to seek a more targeted, heart-sparing treatment option.
Within months of completing proton therapy with KCPI:
- She avoided major side effects.
- Preserved her lung and heart function.
- Returned more quickly to normal activities…
- … and reported high satisfaction with streamlined outpatient experience!
Let KCPI Provide Effective Treatment For You!
Fall may be a busy time of year, but your health deserves attention. If you or a loved one is facing breast cancer, consider proton therapy with KCPI: Where precision meets compassion.
Give us a call to schedule your consultation today at our Overland Park center and see the differences that targeted proton therapy can make!
Schedule a consultation today at our Overland Park center and discover the difference that targeted therapy can make.
