Proton Beam Therapy

msargent1,
In response to proton beam radiation. My wife went through that as a clinical trial at MGH in Boston a year ago due to the tumor on her liver that was unresectable. They were able to actually kill the tumor to the point that it was dead tissue. After her six month visit and follow up scan it was found to metastasis to the lung area and just recently to the brain. Currently undergoing radiation to the brain and we will address the lung area at a later date. Asked if the proton radiation caused the metastasis and we were told that it was unlikely due to both the chemo prior and the proton radiation. Also prior to proton radiation we considered Sloan’s treatment which was a direct chemo to the tumor fed through an intravenous and pump which was a indefinite treatment but decided proton was best for her.

So the fight goes on in hopes that another clinical trial comes along soon.

here is a bit more information on proton therapy
http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/radiation-therapy/proton-therapy
Not sure whether a spacer will be inserted (it protects the nearby organ(s) but you will find out at the upcoming meeting.
Another link leads to postings mentioning proton therapy. Although it includes your posting as well, it may be worth perusing the information from others:
http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb/search.php?search_id=1635332810

Good luck and please keep us posted.
Hugs,
Marion

I didn’t have proton beam, but I had SBRT, which I think may be really close? Targeted pinpoints of radiation aimed at specific cancerous areas… I had no problems with SBRT. They said it might make you tired, and skin might get dry in areas, but it was minimal or nothing.
I just read a bit on it, and it sounds exciting and encouraging. I hope he is a candidate. You will have to let us know how it goes.