The University of Alabama at Birmingham could soon play a major role in fighting cancer using advanced treatments.
According to Biz Journals, the University of Alabama at Birmingham will now offer one of the most advanced forms of treatment in the fight against cancer: proton therapy.
Proton therapy usually begins four to six weeks after chemotherapy or the initial surgery, and typically last over a period of around six weeks.
“This is a significant step forward in cancer treatment for residents of Alabama and surrounding areas,” said Will Ferniany, CEO of the UAB Health System. “Proton therapy is an extremely advanced cancer-fighting radiation technology. Coupled with the skill, experience and resources of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, the UAB Proton Therapy Center will be a life-changing resource for thousands of cancer patients throughout our region.”
According to UAB News, this advanced type of therapy has been gaining popularity on an international scale over the last few years. Currently, in the U.S., there are 25 active medical centers that offer proton-related therapy treatments for cancer.
One of the major benefits of proton therapy is how effective the treatment is for prostate cancer patients. Of those who have prostate cancer, wholly 99% of men are living cancer free within five years after their treatment.
“Experts conservatively estimate that about 250,000 cancer patients in the United States alone could benefit from proton therapy. We are excited to partner with UAB and put this outstanding tool into the hands of the best oncologists in Alabama,” said Chris Chandler, CEO of Proton International. “Proton therapy is already having a tremendous impact on the health of people around the world.”
As Alabama looks to significantly contribute to the proton therapy market, France Proton Therapy will play a major role alongside UAB.
Yahoo! Finance reports that France Proton Therapy is expected to be worth more than $1.5 billion by 2021. In addition to proton treatments, other helpful forms of treatment are available on a global scale as well for those struggling with cancer. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), and other treatments can greatly help the medical community.
