So-called “radioresistant" tumours are also indications for proton therapy because they require the use of high doses of radiation to control the tumour, especially if they are close to organs whose tolerance is a limiting factor.
Indications are discussed on a case-by-case basis, based on a complete medical file and comparative dosimetry. The decision is validated in a specialized Multidisciplinary Consultation Meeting (MCM).
Its main advantages are the reduction of local, acute and late toxicity, functional after-effects (auditory, endocrine and cognitive); together with a reduction in carcinogenic risks in the very long term.
As proton therapy treatments are innovative, recognized indications continue to be researched to reinforce the level of evidence of the contribution of this type of treatment. Patients are therefore frequently asked to follow their treatment as part of a clinical research protocol.
In addition, many new indications concerning much more frequent tumours are currently being explored in the United States, and may be considered as potential indications in the next five years (subgroups of patients with prostate and lung, breast or oesophagus tumours).
