• Published on: Nov 10, 2021
  • 4 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Proton Therapy Treatment

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Proton Therapy Treatment

 It's a feasible alternative to traditional surgery for certain cancers when comprehensive surgical resection is not possible. The proton beam only penetrates tissue very little with most electrons simply missing cells entirely. This makes it an attractive option because there's less chance of damaging healthy tissues like organs around the tumor site like there would with standard treatment methods.

Proton therapy is a type of external beam radiotherapy that has been used for treating tumors in rare cancers of the eye and brain. However, this form of treatment does not produce any secondary radiation hazards to bystanders or patients in adjacent rooms or beds.

Proton therapy treatment is still used to treat cancer, but it is no longer an experimental technique. By the end of the 1970s, many scientists had begun to study proton therapy's use in treating cancer. At first it was not clear whether proton therapy could kill microscopic cancers (cells), or only larger ones (up to one millimeter). Using electron microscopy and tissue culture techniques, researchers found that protons were thereby able to enter small cells and destroy them while leaving healthy cells unharmed-- just as X-rays are capable of doing when they're directed precisely at a tumor.

A proton beam can eradicate diseased tissue with minimal risk to the surrounding healthy tissues and limits the dose of radiation to the rest of your body. This is because protons can be directed more precisely than X-rays, thus sending a single tiny beam instead of multiple beams that damage nearby tissue.

Proton therapy treatment is a two-step procedure. First, a beam of protons or accelerated electrons is applied to the cancer cells with the goal of killing them. Second is, radiotherapy in which X-rays are used to destroy any remaining cancer cells that were not killed by the proton beam. Although it is very effective at treating certain cancers when radiation treatment has been ineffective, it comes at a high price—more than $100,000 for each patient per year in most cases with no Medicare coverage available in most states and in some cases costing over $500,000!  Due to financial limitations on both patients and providers these treatments have been implemented more slowly than expected.

Proton therapy is targeted and up to 30 times more precise than traditional methods. The acceleration system we use for protons - multi-leaf collimator (MLC) - operates on a principle of simultaneously increasing the angle and linear energy of the beam during its trajectory towards the tumor, thus "collimating" it onto the cancerous target. Placebo studies over many years have shown that typical proton therapy had fewer long-term side effects than typical X-ray radiation therapy, yielding an 8% higher rate of survival for typical proton therapy recipients vs. chemotherapy recipients at 10 years post-diagnosis.

Proton therapy is a form of high-energy radiation treatment for cancer patients. Traditional ray therapy does not sufficiently target malignant cells in the body, whereas proton therapy directs a highly targeted dose directly to the tumor. The protons produced by this machine are accelerated independently from each other and then allowed into a circular accelerator tube where they crash into the walls of the tube. In doing so, they produce charged particles which cause radiotherapy as an effect on material irradiated with those particles as well as secondary charged particles which move outwards from those original collisions. The result is that these ultra-high-energy charged particle beams can be focused through larger or thicker materials than traditional x-rays or gamma rays could penetrate.

There are benefits to proton therapy treatment. These include cured or improved time to cancer cure, reduced risk of subsequent cancers, reduced effects on healthy tissues following treatment, and elimination of systemic radiation exposure. No two people are alike in their metabolic rates. It's important not to compare one diet with another because you never know how it might work for your body holistically. Experimentation is the key! Just focus on eating too less high-calorie food with high sugar content and more low-calorie whole foods that provide quality nutrition you need naturally without added sugar.

Proton therapy is a technology that has been used for years and based on peer-reviewed research shows more than the same success as conventional radiation treatments and fewer side effects. About 97% of proton therapy patients experience no side effects from this type of radiotherapy. Side effects from conventional X-ray therapy may include nausea, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, and vomiting. Other potential side-effects with a proton beam can cause burns or permanent changes to skin coloration.

"To answer the question of whether proton therapy is more successful than linear particle radiation, it is difficult to compare two treatments that are given for different purposes. For the most part, proton therapy's effectiveness has been demonstrated when used for localized, inoperable tumors in children with low-risk prostate cancer. However, this does not mean proton therapy would be the best solution for everyone." When looking at success rates or statistics of ProtonTherapy there are many variables to take into account. To give a true success rate of Proton Therapy and LinerParticleRadiation can be an unfair argument based on what each treatment is designed to do.

The survival rate of 90% noted by the drug companies for this type of treatment tracks what is observed in patients who underwent chemotherapy followed by proton therapy. When these two therapies are delivered sequentially, then about 90% live at least 5 years after treatment with this protocol. The combined success rate drops to around 70% when proton therapy is separately offered to those satisfied with their post-operative experience using chemotherapy alone.

Proton therapy is a low adverse-event treatment with few long-term side effects. It also has the potential to provide extra benefits for patients, such as the decreased risk of second cancers and improved quality of life after treatment.

Proton beam radiation (also called proton therapy) is an emerging cancer treatment that uses photons or protons to treat cancer at various depths in the body. Proton beam radiation offers many advantages over traditional X-rays and chemo: reduced risk of side effects like hair loss, nausea and vomiting; no messy chemotherapy regimens; less time off work and school; less pain and discomfort; more effective at treating some cancers; quicker recovery time; lower all around cost – last but not least –

There is no universal success rate for proton therapy treatment. Success rates can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, if other treatments have been used already or not, as well as other factors specific to each individual patient. The success rate of proton therapy depends on the type and stage of cancer and the desired level of tissue sparing.

There is a wide range in treatment results, two studies concluded that for localized tumors (i.e., when there's no evidence that it has spread), 90 percent to 95 percent of patients were cured at 5 years post-treatment. However, these percentages “would be lower if proton therapy were compared against therapies used to treat cancers with a high risk for recurrence” [...] One study found that 50?wer lesions recurred after proton therapy than after traditional radiotherapy. This lower number may depend on the location where the cancer was located within a patient's pelvic region or if a tumor had

Proton therapy success rates are determined by many things, including patients' medical history and their willingness to follow post-treatment guidelines. For example, is the person diagnosed with Stage 1 prostate cancer really in need of aggressive treatment protocols in order to ensure the complete elimination of any possible disease? Or does this particular individual have other health issues with which they must contend-- perhaps unrelated to prostate cancer but very important nevertheless. Do they identify themselves as a person who would like to be treated according to FDA-approved safety standards rather than utilizing private clinics without these safety standards? Depending on how one answers these types of questions, chances are that this person will not fare well with proton therapy when pitted against surgery or radiation/chemotherapy.

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Early Diagnosis of Diabetes

Early Diagnosis of Diabetes: How HbA1c Tests Can Save Lives

Diabetes has become a global health concern, with millions of individuals affected worldwide. Early detection is vital in managing diabetes and preventing long-term complications. Among the various diagnostic tools available, the HbA1c test stands out as a crucial method for identifying and monitoring diabetes. This blog will explore the HbA1c test for diabetes, its procedure, cost, interpretation, and benefits, along with why it’s essential for early diagnosis.

What is an HbA1c Test?

The HbA1c test, also known as the glycated haemoglobin test, measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Unlike a fasting glucose test, it provides a broader view of blood sugar management, making it an effective tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

The importance of the HbA1c test in early diabetes detection cannot be overstated. It not only helps diagnose diabetes but also identifies prediabetes, enabling early intervention to prevent the progression of the disease.

How HbA1c Levels Indicate Prediabetes

An HbA1c result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, while a level of 6.5% or higher confirms diabetes. Understanding how HbA1c levels indicate prediabetes is crucial, as early identification allows for lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

For non-diabetic adults, the normal HbA1c range is below 5.7%. Keeping your levels within this range is a marker of good metabolic health.

HbA1c Test Procedure and What to Expect

The HbA1c test procedure is simple and minimally invasive. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Blood Sample Collection: A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm or through a finger prick.

  2. Laboratory Analysis: The sample is sent to a lab where the haemoglobin’s glycated percentage is measured.

  3. Quick Results: Many labs provide results within a day, ensuring timely diagnosis.

Patients undergoing the test need not fast, making it more convenient compared to other blood sugar tests.

HbA1c Test Cost

The HbA1c test cost varies depending on your location and the healthcare provider. On average, it ranges between 500 and 2000. Some insurance plans may cover the cost, especially if recommended by a physician. For individuals without insurance, some community health centres offer discounted rates to ensure accessibility.

HbA1c Test Interpretation

Understanding HbA1c test interpretation is key to effective diabetes management. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Below 5.7%: Normal range for non-diabetic adults.

  • 5.7% - 6.4%: Prediabetes. A wake-up call for lifestyle changes.

  • 6.5% or Higher: Diabetes. Immediate medical attention and treatment are required.

Interpreting the results in the context of other health markers ensures a comprehensive approach to diabetes care.

Benefits of Early Diabetes Screening with HbA1c

The benefits of early diabetes screening with HbA1c are numerous:

  1. Prevention of Complications: Early detection allows for interventions that prevent serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.

  2. Better Blood Sugar Management: Regular monitoring through HbA1c tests helps in adjusting treatments and maintaining optimal blood sugar levels.

  3. Convenience: Unlike fasting tests, the HbA1c test can be performed at any time of the day.

  4. Long-term Insights: By reflecting blood sugar levels over a prolonged period, the test provides a clearer picture of metabolic health.

Why Regular Testing Matters

For individuals at risk of diabetes, such as those with a family history or obesity, regular HbA1c testing is critical. It enables healthcare providers to track trends in blood sugar levels and recommend timely interventions. Additionally, the test is instrumental in tailoring personalized treatment plans for diabetic patients.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of diabetes through HbA1c tests can be life-saving. From understanding the HbA1c test procedure to interpreting its results, this diagnostic tool offers a comprehensive solution for detecting and managing diabetes. With the growing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, the importance of the HbA1c test in early diabetes detection cannot be overstated.

At Second Medic, we prioritize your health by offering reliable lab testing services, including HbA1c tests. If you suspect you’re at risk or simply want to stay proactive about your health, book an HbA1c test today and take the first step toward a healthier future.

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