Treatment and checks

On the days dedicated to the proton beam therapy, the patient will be greeted and accompanied to the treatment room by the medical personnel at the Trento Proton Therapy Centre. They will be asked to sit on the gantry bed and will be immobilized according to the positioning defined during the simulation.

Once the radiographic checks have been performed to make sure the positioning is correct, the patient will receive the actual proton treatment.

During the radiation treatment, the gantry staff continuously monitor and explain the different phases of the procedure from an adjacent room using a closed-circuit video camera system and via an intercom. 

Each week during treatment, or more frequently if necessary, the medical and nursing staff performs medical examinations that may require blood tests. During these stages, the patient may be asked to fill out questionnaires regarding the treatment or illness.

Once the proton beam treatment is complete, the patient will be examined. At this time, any home medical treatments will be prescribed, they will be given the programme for follow-up medical check-ups, and they will receive the conclusive report to be taken to their family doctor and/or specialist.

Check-up frequencies and methods vary from case to case. During each visit, the clinical response, any side effects, and any diagnostic tests prescribed will be evaluated. Once again, questionnaires regarding the treatment or illness may be required.