Proton therapy may be effective, less toxic treatment option for patients with head and neck cancer

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center conducted a small study of the effectiveness of multi-field optimization intensity modulated proton therapy (MFO-IMPT), a proton therapy best used to delivery a precise dose of protons to the most complicated tumors. Results showed that 93% of patients with head and neck cancer were 28 months after treatment. The therapy was also found to effectively spare healthy tissues, thereby minimizing the effects on neurocognitive function, vision, swallowing, hearing, taste, and speech. The researchers report that ongoing research will determine if MFO-IMPT is able to reduce toxicity and improve survival.