Dr. Simone Discusses Proton Therapy for Lung Cancer

Charles Simone, MD, chief of thoracic service in the department of radiation oncology at at Penn Medicine discussed proton therapy for lung cancer on CBS 3's Talk Philly this week.

Learn how proton therapy for lung cancer, and proton therapy is changing the way lung cancer is treated at Penn by watching this brief interview with Dr. Simone.

What is Proton Therapy?

Proton therapy is a non–invasive, incredibly precise cancer treatment that uses a beam of protons moving at very high speeds to destroy the DNA of cancer cells, killing them and preventing them from multiplying.

The Benefits of Proton Therapy at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Medicine

Unlike conventional radiation that can affect surrounding healthy tissue as it enters the body and targets the tumor, proton therapy's precise, high dose of radiation is extremely targeted. This targeted precision causes less damage to healthy, surrounding tissue.

When aimed at cancer tumors, protons pack impressive power. Protons release their energy completely once they enter a tumor, limiting the radiation dose beyond the tumor, causing less damage to the healthy surrounding tissues and resulting in fewer side effects.

Learn more about proton therapy at Penn Medicine's Roberts Proton Therapy Center, and proton therapy for lung cancer.