Proton Radiation Therapy at CNSO

Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses energy from positively charged particles to shrink and kill cancerous and noncancerous tumors. It is an effective way to treat tumors while protecting healthy tissue from radiation exposure. Proton therapy is one of the treatment options offered by Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics, through our relationship with the New York Proton Center. 

The compassionate and award-winning neurosurgeons at CNSO serve patients with all forms of brain and spine tumors at our six comprehensive care centers throughout Northern New Jersey. Patients with benign or malignant tumors may be best treated using proton radiation therapy.

How Proton Therapy Works Compared to Traditional Radiation Treatment

Proton therapy is a form of radiation treatment that precisely targets of tumors while minimizing the exposure of normal healthy tissue to radiation. Traditional radiation treatment uses photons (high energy electromagnetic radiation) which is focused on the tumor yet continues passing through healthy tissue on the other side of the tumor. This is called the exit dose of radiation. With proton therapy, there is no exit dose because the energy of the proton beam is deposited in only the tumor itself. This precision allows doctors to deliver the intended prescription dose of radiation while minimizing side effects.

This level of precision can be extremely important when dealing with brain and spinal tumors that are situated in close proximity to many critical normal structures. These include the brainstem, spinal cord, optic nerves which control vision, and the auditory nerves critical for hearing. For example, if a tumor is located in the part of the brain that controls hearing, traditional radiation can damage a patient’s brain tissue and cause hearing problems. Because of the precision of proton therapy, it is a particularly useful alternative treatment for patients with tumors located in the head, neck, brain, and spine.

The doctors at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics take the time to understand each patient’s specific diagnosis and medical history. A patient may be a candidate for proton therapy if they have been diagnosed with a:

• Benign brain tumor,a noncancerous abnormal cell growth that may negatively impact brain function
• Chordoma, a slow-growing malignant tumor that can occur anywhere along the skull base or spine
• Meningioma, a common tumor that develops on the thin layer of tissue called the meninges that covers the brain and spine
• Spinal sarcoma, a malignant tumor that can develop in the spinal bones, discs, or cartilage
• Recurrent Brain or Spine Tumors that have previously received radiation therapy

CNSO is pleased to be able to offer this advanced treatment option to its patients, through our relationship with the New York Proton Center.