Research Confirms Effective Control of
Large Liver Cancer, Doubling Survival Time
Published in the International Journal
of Radiation Oncology
TAOYUAN, Aug. 12,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With cancer incidence on the
rise, proton therapy has emerged as one of the most powerful tools
in cancer treatment. Chang Gung
Memorial Hospital, Linkou, the first on the island to introduce
proton therapy, has treated over 5,000 cancer patients with
remarkable success. In a parallel research endeavor, the hospital's
team found liver cancer patients treated with proton therapy
achieve better tumor control and double the survival time compared
to traditional X-ray radiation therapy, with fewer side effects.
The findings were published in the March 2024 edition of the International Journal
of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, the leading international
journal in the field of radiation oncology.
The doctors involved in the project explained that proton
therapy serves as "surgical strike" deep within the body, only
releasing significant radiation energy when the protons reach the
target tumor and destroying it with utmost precision while
minimizing damage to nearby normal tissues and reducing side
effects. The pinpoint accuracy
stands apart from traditional X-ray radiotherapy, which often
incurs greater collateral damage. By allowing for safer dose
escalation, proton therapy optimizes patient outcomes and maintains
their quality of life.
The hospital conducted a four-year follow-up study on 159
patients with extensive liver cancer undergoing either proton
therapy or conventional X-ray radiotherapy. The results showed that
the two-year local tumor control rate for proton therapy was 89%,
significantly surpassing the 34% achieved with traditional X-ray.
Additionally, the median survival time for those treated with
proton therapy was 19 months—more than double the 8 months observed
with X-ray treatments. Moreover, the incidence of liver failure,
upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or severe lymphocytopenia was
significantly lower in the proton therapy group.
While many studies have confirmed the efficacy of proton
therapy, larger-scale research on its effectiveness for tumors
larger than 5 cm or previously intractable large liver cancers has
yet to be conducted. Chang Gung
Memorial Hospital, Linkou, advises patients to obtain comprehensive
professional consultation prior to treatment to ensure they receive
the most optimal care.
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital,
Linkou is one of the largest proton radiation therapy centers in
Asia, with patients from over 30
countries, including Malaysia,
Singapore, and Vietnam. The hospital houses an International
Medical Center, providing professional medical consultations,
second opinions, medical arrangements, and coordinated
multidisciplinary medical services, including surgery,
chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine
adjustments to offer comprehensive care for cancer
patients.
CONTACT: IMC CGMH,
isc@cgmh.org.tw
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SOURCE Chang Gung Memorial
Hospital, Linkou