How does the cost of proton therapy compare to standard X-ray radiation therapy?
Treatment with protons can be more expensive than standard X-ray radiation therapy. However, because patients experience fewer long- and short-term side effects and have fewer hospital stays after receiving proton therapy, the long-term costs associated with standard-ray radiation therapy may be higher. Over the long-term, proton therapy reduces the chances of tumors occurring later in life, and the treatment of these tumors could add to overall treatment costs. The actual cost of proton therapy will vary depending on the specific treatment plan and insurance coverage.
