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Engage Estero is pleased to report that our local Proton Therapy organization, located on the northwest corner of Three Oaks Parkway and Estero Parkway and affiliated with Lee Health, is now accepting patients.

As reported earlier this year at our Community Meeting, Dr. Shannon MacDonald, Medical Director at Southwest Florida Proton, explained that protons have a defined range in tissue and can avoid delivering a dose beyond the tumor. The depth of penetration is proportional to energy.

In essence, proton therapy for cancer is an advanced form of radiation that uses protons, rather than X-rays. Protons can be precisely controlled, allowing our physicians to closely target the tumor and deliver potent doses of radiation with:

• • Less damage to healthy tissue
  • Fewer side effects
  • Low risk of secondary cancers
  • Better quality of life during and after treatment

Dr. MacDonald went on to explain that proton radiation offers potential clinical benefits for most patients. Unfortunately, its main limitation is that its availability necessitates rationing because of its value across a wide range of situations for many patients. The cases where proton treatment is likely to provide the most significant benefit for specific locations or malignancies are:

• • In children’s cancers
  • Those requiring high doses near critical tissues or structures
  • Sarcomas of the skull and spine
  • Ocular malignancies
  • Curable brain tumors
  • Head & Neck Cancers
  • Pediatric patients
  • Developing organs susceptible to RT

It is also important to recognize that there are benefits in other, more common cancer types, such as:

• • Breast Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • High Grade Glioma in Adults
  • Lung Cancer

However, in these cases, the patient’s anatomy, disease stage, and other health considerations can affect selection.

Given the questions about the use of proton therapy for prostate cancer at a meeting held by Engage Estero in late October, it is worth noting that proton radiation therapy for prostate cancer is a highly effective way to avoid many of the side effects commonly associated with radiation in this part of the body. The precise targeting of the cancerous tumor with proton therapy for prostate cancer reduces the risk of future cancer and protects the rectum, bladder, and bowels. This includes proton therapy for the following types of prostate cancer treatment:

• • Prostate adenocarcinoma
  • Recurrent prostate cancer after surgery
  • Pelvic lymph node metastases
  • Re-irradiation

The latest in diagnostic imaging is also available at the center. The team has available

• • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3T MRI)
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
  • CAT Scan

These are essential imaging procedures for gaining information about the tumor and pinpointing its precise location.

If you need to contact the Center, you can do so by logging in at this link and submitting your request https://swflproton.com/contact/.