What are the potential side effects of proton therapy?
Patients should not feel pain or discomfort during treatment sessions. There may be side effects during or after treatment, but they are generally minor, less frequent and less severe than the side effects that can result from standard X-ray radiation therapy, primarily because less healthy tissue is exposed to radiation in proton therapy. Potential side effects may include skin reactions in the direct path of the proton radiation, fatigue and temporary hair loss. Depending on the tumor site treated, different side effects may be experienced. Your doctor will discuss with you the specific side effects that you may experience based on your treatment plan.
Patients should not feel pain or discomfort during treatment sessions. There may be side effects during or after treatment, but they are generally minor, less frequent, and less severe than the side effects that can result from standard X-ray radiation therapy, primarily because less healthy tissue is exposed to radiation in proton therapy. Depending on the site of your tumor, side effects may include skin irritation in the direct path of the proton radiation, tiredness, and hair loss in the area being treated. Your doctor will discuss with you the specific side effects that you may experience based on your treatment plan.
