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The Clinical Case for Individualized Use of Proton Beam Therapy

October 6, 2016

According to physicians and researchers who use proton beam therapy, the technology is a long-needed, excellent alternative to use of conventional x-ray (photon) radiation for selected patients. In tumors that are too close to critical organs, the benefit of precisely targeting protons only on the target tumor produces fewer side effects than x-ray’s broader and deeper shaft of radiation. While x-rays travel through the body in a straight line without stopping, protons are targeted to the precise location of the tumor and do not exit out the other side. In that way, proton beam therapy substantially limits collateral damage to organs and tissue, and offers the possibility of using higher doses of radiation for more beneficial outcomes.

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Lourdes Health System

The Lourdes Health System is one of the region’s leading health care providers, recognized nationally for excellence in clinical care and service to the community. The system has two general acute care hospitals, located in Camden and Willingboro, New Jersey, with a full range of medical, surgical, obstetrical, behavioral health, rehabilitation and long-term acute care services. Lourdes has a network of outpatient facilities and physician practices located in more than 50 sites throughout southern New Jersey.