What are the Long term Risks and Complications of Proton Therapy?
Since proton therapy is a noninvasive procedure, complications are rare, but nevertheless, possible. Complications generally depend on factors such as the treatment plan, tumor location and size. Some of the complications that may occur include the following:
- Mucositis (inflammation of mucous membranes)
- Cardiovascular complications
- Brain damage (neuro-cognitive impairment)
- Spinal cord damage
- Lung (pulmonary) injury
- Developmental defects (children)
- Kidney problems
- Colorectal changes
- Infertility
- Joint changes
- Lymphedema (swelling due to blockage of lymphatic vessels)
- Mouth changes
- Secondary malignancies
What are the Side-effects of Proton Therapy?
Since the proton beam doesn’t penetrate beyond the tumor, this reduces the risk of side-effects due to radiation damage to surrounding healthy tissues. However, concurrent cancer therapies, radiation dose, and part of the body being treated, may influence the amount and extent of side-effects observed. Some of the major side-effects include the following:
- Tiredness / fatigue
- Difficulty eating / swallowing
- Indigestion
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Skin problems (increased sensitivity, redness, irritation, swelling, dryness, itching, peeling, blistering)
- Soreness and swelling
