5-fraction proton beam therapy for prostate cancer
Now available at Proton International London
If you are exploring prostate cancer treatment options, you may be considering proton beam therapy (PBT). This advanced form of radiation therapy is typically delivered daily over several weeks.
However, some men may be suitable for our shorter treatment schedule, delivered in as few as five sessions, or ‘fractions’.
Many men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in later life, but for some, it can be as early as their 40s, 50s and 60s when they still lead busy lives.
Committing to daily radiotherapy for several weeks can be a challenge if you are juggling work and family. Even more so if you have to stay away from home during treatment at our private proton therapy centre in London.
However, it may be more manageable if you meet the criteria for our 5-fraction treatment schedule for prostate cancer.
Make an enquiryWhat is 5-fraction proton beam therapy for prostate cancer?
Proton beam therapy for prostate cancer uses a highly targeted beam of protons to deliver radiation directly to the tumour, with the aim of destroying cancer cells while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
It is delivered on an outpatient basis, meaning you can leave the hospital immediately afterwards and return the next day. The standard schedule is five treatment sessions per week for 20 or up to 38 sessions (four to seven weeks). Where the 5-fraction pathway differs is simply in the number of sessions or ‘fractions’. This enables an accelerated treatment schedule of just under two weeks, with fractions usually given on alternate days.
Who is 5-fraction proton beam therapy for?
The 5-fraction pathway is typically considered for men with early-stage prostate cancer that has not spread outside the prostate or around the body.
Our specialist proton beam therapy team assesses suitability on a case-by-case basis, considering:
- Prostate tumour specific features including size and grade
- Symptoms caused by the tumour (if any)
- Medical imaging such as MRI, PET and CT scans
- The patient’s age and overall health
After careful review, a specialist oncologist, backed by a multidisciplinary team of radiologists and clinicians, recommends the most appropriate course of treatment.
If your doctor considers PBT a viable option, they can refer you for treatment at Proton International London. Our team will ensure you understand your options to help you make an informed decision about your care.
How is 5 fraction proton therapy different from standard proton beam therapy?
5-fraction proton beam therapy has a shorter treatment duration compared to standard proton beam therapy, with as few as five sessions over two weeks is required.
The technology, planning process, and treatment delivery are the same as those used for a longer schedule of proton beam therapy.
What differs is how the total dose is divided and delivered, with a higher dose per fraction. Every treatment schedule is carefully selected by expert consultants to ensure safety, accuracy and clinical suitability.
Make an enquiry
Benefits of 5-fraction proton beam therapy
Proton beam therapy is a highly effective cancer treatment, with clinical trials showing long-term tumour outcomes comparable to those of standard radiotherapy. It is particularly helpful in treating cancers where the tumour is located close to vital organs and structures.
The prostate sits close to the bladder, bowel and the nerves involved in urinary and sexual function. Conventional radiation therapy can expose these structures to radiation, with side effects that may include urinary incontinence and disturbances in bowel function.
Proton beam therapy can reduce the risk of these side effects as the radiation dose is highly targeted, delivering dose to the tumour site while reducing the dose to adjacent normal tissues.
Read more on the advantages of proton beam therapy for prostate cancer.
Aside from these clinical benefits, our 5-fraction treatment schedule offers:
- Convenience – a shorter overall treatment period means spending less time away from home if you are travelling to London for care.
- Less disruption to daily life – fewer hospital visits and a shorter schedule can be preferable if you are in full-time employment or have family commitments.
Why choose Proton International London?
At Proton International London, your care is led by highly experienced specialists in prostate cancer. We use advanced pencil beam scanning technology to deliver highly precise treatment at our purpose-built private centre in central London.
Alongside clinical expertise, we provide coordinated, professional care in a calm and discreet environment. Our dedicated team will support you throughout your treatment journey, including assistance with travel and accommodation where required.
Read more about our concierge service and staying in London.
Make an enquiryOur prostate cancer consultants
Speak to a specialist about proton therapy for prostate cancer
For all enquiries or questions about proton beam therapy at Proton International London, you can call our helpful team on 020 4629 3598 (9am to 10pm GMT Mon-Fri). Alternatively, complete our contact form, and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
To refer yourself for proton beam therapy treatment at Proton International London, please fill out the contact form and select ‘self-referral for a private consultation’. You will be asked to upload relevant medical documents to support your referral.
If you are an NHS patient seeking a referral, consult your care team and oncologist to discuss your suitability for proton beam therapy. Read more about getting a second opinion here.