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Friday, August 29, 2008 dedee asks

Q: will the proton treatment work

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8/30/08 9:41am

Hi dedee,

 

I have never heard of proton treatment. Can you provide more info?

Laurie

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8/30/08 9:51am

Dedee, proton therapy is a very new treatment - it was still undergoing clinical trials as recently as 2 years ago. It's a new kind of radiation that focuses proton beams directly on the tumor, and doesn't affect any of the tissue around the tumor. I think it's a case of so far, so good - but the lack of long-term data would make anyone reluctant to say "Yes, this works." There are no 100% givens with breast cancer; it's always a case of "This might work, this has a good chance of working..." You look at your own case, the statistics involving women with a similar prognosis, and then you just kind of step off the cliff and make your decision. Best of luck - PJH

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