Cancer Resources and Support
At Corewell Health, we are committed to providing you and your loved ones with the resources you need during your cancer journey.
Power, precision, and promising results
Proton therapy delivers less radiation to healthy tissue than traditional X-ray radiation, reducing side effects and improving quality of life.
The Proton Therapy Center located at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital is Michigan’s first proton therapy center and the first to offer pencil beam scanning. Our radiation oncologists continue to advance this cutting-edge treatment.
How it works
There are three primary ways to treat cancer: chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Within radiation therapy, there are various subtypes—proton therapy being one of the most advanced and rapidly adopted options.
Compared to traditional radiation, proton therapy delivers greater precision, targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This results in fewer side effects, non-invasive treatment, and shorter sessions, making it an increasingly preferred choice for oncologists and hospitals worldwide.
Proton therapy may be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments, including traditional radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery. Your radiation oncologist will determine a treatment plan that may include proton therapy alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
Our patient’s perspective
Ava’s story
For Ava, proton therapy was a turning point. After her cancer diagnosis, she and her care team chose this highly targeted approach to avoid harming nearby healthy tissue. The treatment helped her focus on healing while continuing to enjoy everyday moments that matter most.
Beneficial for many cancers
Proton therapy has shown promise in treating several kinds of cancer.
Brain and skull base tumors
For brain and skull base tumors, proton therapy protects nearby nerves and reduces long-term side effects.
Breast cancer
For breast cancer, proton therapy limits exposure to the heart and lungs, lowering the risk of complications.
Gastrointestinal, abdominal and pelvic tumors
For gastrointestinal, abdominal and pelvic tumors, proton therapy lowers exposure to the small bowel, liver, kidneys, and bladder.
Head and neck tumors
For head and neck tumors, proton therapy spares delicate structures like the eyes, salivary glands, and throat.
Lung and thoracic tumors
For lung and thoracic tumors, proton therapy lowers radiation exposure to the heart, lungs, and esophagus.
Pediatric cancers
For pediatric cancers, proton therapy reduces radiation damage in growing tissues, lowering long-term risks.
Prostate cancer
For prostate cancer, proton therapy targets tumors with precision, reducing urinary and bowel side effects.
Recurrent tumors
For recurrent tumors, proton therapy has the potential to cure tumors that failed conventional radiation.
What to expect
Most patients report experiencing no discomfort or sensation during the actual proton beam treatment.
While proton therapy is highly precise, some radiation is still released into the body, which can cause side effects. These may include:
- Feeling overly tired
- Hair loss around the treatment area
- Headaches
- Mouth, eating, and digestion problems
- Redness on the skin near the treatment site
Despite these potential effects, proton therapy generally results in few and mild side effects.
Need deeper understanding?
Speak with a specialist to learn more or get a second opinion to confirm a diagnosis or to validate treatment.