recommended radiation treatment,” says Leticia Nogueira, lead author of both studies. She is a senior principal scientist, health services research, at the American Cancer Society.
“Especially concerning, however, was our findings also showed racial disparities increased as availability of PBT increased in the U.S.,” Nogueira said in a society news release.
“Our findings, unfortunately, highlight the fact that Black patients continue to benefit less from advances in medicine like PBT, even with increased availability of recommended treatment modalities,” Nogueira adds. “Efforts other than increasing the number of facilities that provide PBT will be needed to eliminate these disparities.”
RELATED: Why Are Black Cancer Patients Frailer Than Their Peers?
What are the benefits of PBT?
Although regular and proton radiation therapy both damage the DNA of cancer cells, proton therapy has some slight advantages. Proton therapy is more energy-focused on the tumor and has less radiation, which can affect healthy tissue nearby.
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Having less healthy tissue affected as a result of radiation can lead to milder side effects.
Whatsmore, damage to delicate structures such as the brain, heart, oral cavity, esophagus and spinal cord might be reduced, John Hopkins Medicine notes.
Is PBT right for you?
Proton therapy isn’t considered appropriate for every type of cancer. It is typically used for cancers in sensitive areas, where surrounding healthy cells have the potential to be damaged from treatment.
Discuss whether this is a suitable option for you with your doctor. Because proton therapy can be expensive, it is also important to check with your insurance provider about coverage. Some proton therapy centers have financial counselors to consult.
