Proton Beam Therapy In Singapore

If you are in need or are looking for proton beam therapy, Singapore is now one of the cities in the world where this type of advanced radiation therapy is available. In this article we will discuss proton beam therapy in Singapore – what it is, how it works, its advantages, and costs.

What Is Proton Beam Therapy?

Proton beam therapy (or proton therapy in short,) is a form of radiation therapy that utilises protons, positively charged particles, to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which uses X-rays or photons, proton beam therapy allows for more accurate targeting of tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision makes it particularly effective for treating certain types of cancers.

Proton Beam Therapy In Singapore

Proton Beam Therapy has been available in Singapore since last year, 2023. Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Novena), National Cancer Centre Singapore (SGH), and Singapore Advanced Institute of Advanced Medicine Holdings / Proton Therapy SG were among the first cancer centres that offer proton beam therapy in Singapore.

How Does Proton Beam Therapy Work?

During proton beam therapy, a machine that is outside of the patient’s body delivers radiation to the targeted cancer cells through the skin. It works by accelerating protons to high speeds and directing them into the targeted tumour area. The energy from these protons is released within the tumour, delivering a controlled dose of radiation. The unique property of protons allows for a more focused delivery of radiation, reducing the risk of damage to nearby healthy tissues and organs.

What Does Proton Beam Therapy Treat?

Proton beam therapy may be used to treat cancers such as:

• Cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumours.
• Cancers of the central nervous system.
• Cancers of the eye.
• Other head and neck cancers.
• Lung cancer.
• Liver cancer.
• Prostate cancer.
• Sarcomas (soft-tissue and bone cancers).

An estimated 60% of cancer patients require radiation therapy. Of these, it is estimated that about 20% may benefit from proton beam treatment. These are patients who have cancers that have not metastasised, or are near important organs, and child cancer patients.

What Are The Advantages Of Proton Beam Therapy For Cancer Treatment?

Proton beam therapy treatment has certain key advantages compared to conventional radiotherapy. Some of the advantages are:

1. Precision Targeting

Proton beam therapy allows for highly precise targeting of tumours, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. This precision is crucial, especially for treating tumours located near critical structures.

• Less radiation dose is delivered to nearby healthy cells.
• There is no entry and exit radiation dose. The radiation is only released only at the targeted depth in the body.
• As a result of there being less radiation delivered to surrounding tissues, delivery of higher dosage of radiation to targeted areas is possible.

2. Reduced Side Effects

The focused nature of proton beam therapy results in fewer side effects compared to traditional radiation therapy. Patients often experience less damage to surrounding tissues, leading to a better quality of life during and after treatment.

3. Enhanced Treatment For Paediatric Cancers

Children suffering from cancer are in particular at high risk from complications from conventional radiation treatment, as they have a smaller body size and their bodies are still in the development stages. Possible serious side effects from conventional radiation treatment that impact lifetime quality of life, include stunted growth, infertility, and impaired cognitive abilities (depends on where the cancer is located).

Proton beam therapy is particularly beneficial for treating paediatric cancers, as it reduces the risk of long-term side effects and damage to developing tissues and organs.

4. Improved Quality Of Life

With fewer side effects and a lower risk of complications, patients undergoing proton beam therapy often experience an improved overall quality of life during and after treatment.

5. Post-Treatment Cancer Recurrence Is Less Likely

There are studies that suggest that with proton beam treatment, cancers such as prostate cancer that are successfully treated are less likely to recur.

How Much Does Proton Beam Therapy In Singapore Costs?

Proton beam therapy cost about 3x more than for conventional radiotherapy in Singapore. The cost may be up to around S$100,000 for about 30 treatments.

While proton beam therapy has substantial advantages, cost may be a concern for many people. Luckily, it can be covered under Medishield (our national health insurance) and medisave (our compulsory health savings). Know more about these in this article.

Schedule A Consultation For Proton Beam Therapy For Cancer Treatment

Health365 in partnership with Proton Therapy SG, one of only three centres that offers proton beam therapy in Singapore. Contact us today for an appointment at Proton Therapy SG to explore how proton beam therapy can be an option in your cancer treatment journey.

Other Proton Therapy Facilities In Singapore That You May Consider

1. National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) – Public Hospital
2. Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Novena) – Private Hospital