FAQ:
Common Questions about proton therapy

Q

What is proton therapy?

A

Proton therapy is a form of radiation, but - instead of using conventional radiation particles, which may cause more damage to healthy tissues - proton therapy uses powerful, more precisely guided protons. Watch how it works.

Q

Which cancers are effectively treated with proton therapy?

A

Proton therapy is effective in treating many types of cancer, but is most valuable in the treatment of tumors in the head, brain, neck, lung and prostate, and in pediatric cancers. Proton therapy is typically used for tumors that have not spread to other parts of the body.

Q

Why hasn't my doctor suggested proton therapy?

A

Until very recently, proton therapy was only practiced at research facilities. Since proton therapy centers are still few and far between, your doctor may not be completely familiar with the benefits of proton therapy. Ask your doctor if you may be a candidate, or contact us by phone or e-mail.

Q

How does the treatment process work?

A

Radiation oncologists use advanced imaging techniques to determine the exact location of the tumor to be treated. Once that happens, proton therapy sessions may take anywhere from six to eight weeks, and treatments are non-invasive, so patients can continue with their daily activities. For more details, visit what to expect from the proton therapy process.

Q

Will my health insurance provide coverage for proton therapy to treat the kind of cancer I’ve been diagnosed with, including prostate cancer?

A

Proton therapy is usually covered by health insurance. To reduce the potential of financial uncertainties this information will be reviewed prior to your consultation. We have a full-time staff of financial counselors to discuss your coverage and answer any questions that you may have.

Q

Can you tell me what the side effects are from proton therapy compared to conventional radiation?

A

The side effects associated with proton therapy in many cases are much less than treatment with other forms of radiation therapy. This is due to proton’s ability to effectively deliver the radiation dose to the treatment site while doing considerably less damage to the healthy tissue located around the tumor. Your physician will review in detail with you any potential side effects prior to the start of your proton therapy treatments.

Q

How many proton treatments would I need for prostate cancer?

A

Typically, treatment for prostate cancer is five days a week for eight weeks.

Q

I live a good distance away from your facility. Is there housing available for me and my spouse while I am being treated?

A

The University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute presents numerous options to help our patients enjoy a comfortable, stress-free and happy stay here in Jacksonville. There are many choices available. While UF Proton Therapy Institute does not directly arrange housing, we do have staff members available to assist you with making arrangements. A detailed list of apartments, houses, hotels, RV parks and marinas from which to choose, where you will be insured the best rate, can be found on our Web site. We invite you to review the Staying in Jacksonville section, http://www.floridaproton.org/cancer-treatment/staying-in-jacksonville.html , of our Web site which provides a variety of information that many of our patients find very useful.

Q

What steps do I take to find out if I am a candidate for proton therapy?

A

At the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute, we initially work with the patient to collect a series of clinical reports and studies that are required prior to scheduling a patient’s consultation visit. Once we have this information, it typically takes approximately one week to get the patient in for their consultation visit. The consultation visit is an assessment by our physician to determine if proton therapy is the best course of treatment. To request more information, contact us today or call toll-free 877-686-6009 and speak to our Patient Intake Services Department.