What is involved in the treatment?

A proton therapy cycle consists of administering multiple doses of radiation during weekly therapy sessions, performed daily from Monday to Friday based on what was defined in the specific treatment plan. Generally, a cycle lasts five to six weeks.

Daily treatments are performed based on the indications received from the medical radiation technicians at the gantry, the treatment room.

Proton Therapy is a precision radiation treatment that uses heavy particles, protons, to irradiate tumour cells. The physical characteristics of the proton beams allow extremely precise dose delivery, thus preventing the involvement of the surrounding healthy tissues.

To deliver the therapy, a particle production device, or cyclotron, is required along with the beam transport and release system.

During the treatment, the patient is positioned on a bed inside the gantry, the structure that directs the radiation by rotating 360° around the patient.

The Trento Proton Therapy Centre is equipped with two treatment rooms for patients and one for experimental use and research, with a fixed beam.

Useful information

Patients do not need to fast in order to undergo proton beam therapy. If fasting is required, the medical staff at the Trento Proton Therapy Centre will inform the patient.

During treatment, the patient may be in contact with their family members, including children, and conduct a normal work and social life.

The patient may feel particularly tired and need to reduce or modify their activities and daily habits, especially during the conclusive stages of the therapy.

Treatment calls for several sessions and it is recommended that they be performed without interruptions. If treatment must be suspended due to technical or medical reasons (possible side effects) or for major personal problems, the Trento Proton Therapy Centre guarantees the complete recovery of the sessions that were not performed.