At present, it is possible to cure a large percentage of women with this disease and our goal is to make their life after treatment free of any limitations and health complications. If radiation is to be part of breast cancer treatment, it is important to choose the most gentle method. Proton therapy delivers an adequate dose of radiation to the target area and at the same time reduces the radiation of the surrounding tissues, especially the heart and lungs. Proton therapy thus minimises the risk of late side effects, such as heart attack, cardiac arrhythmia, development of pulmonary fibrosis or the development of secondary tumours from radiation.
Proton therapy is particularly beneficial for:
Very late effects of breast cancer radiation treatments can manifest in the tissue of the lungs. Based on many years of experience, it was established that the irradiation of a larger lung volume is associated with the development of changes in the lung tissue, or with the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is most often manifested by recurrent pneumonia and chronic cough.
Proton therapy is a precise and gentle breast cancer treatment method with minimal side effects. It enables precise targeting of the proton beam at the target area (breast, thoracic wall, sentinel lymph nodes), and minimises exposure of surrounding tissues and organs to radiation. There is one substantial reason to indicate proton radiotherapy, especially for left-sided findings, and that is RIHD (radiation induced heart disease). Heart disease cause by radiation is one of the most serious late effects of radiation. In the treatment of breast cancer for which radiation has been recommended, experts therefore work to minimise radiation doses to the heart. Thanks to the proton beam, we can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack and other heart problems.
Radiotherapy is a common and important part of breast cancer treatment. In the majority of cases, it is performed after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the disease recurring.
At Proton Therapy Center, we most often offer patients a three-week course of radiotherapy; in rare cases, treatment may last up to five weeks. For many women, this means daily visits over an extended period of time, which can interfere with their personal, professional, and family lives.
Starting in January 2026, we began offering radiation therapy at Proton Therapy Center using a modern, accelerated treatment regimen called FAST-Forward.
This approach allows patients to complete treatment in a significantly shorter time and with fewer visits.
FAST-Forward, in combination with proton therapy, is based on extensive clinical studies and is fully supported by scientific evidence.
Long-term follow-up results show that this accelerated treatment is just as effective and safe as traditional, longer regimens.
The biggest benefit is the time saved. Patients can complete their treatment more quickly, and the reduced number of visits has less impact on their work, personal, and family life.
Shorter treatment also means:
Patient experiences show that these aspects are among the most appreciated.
A shortened treatment regimen does not carry a higher risk of side effects. Skin reactions, fatigue, or breast swelling occur at a rate comparable to that of standard treatment, and in some women, they are even milder. In addition, proton radiation therapy allows for maximum sparing of healthy tissues, particularly the heart and lungs. This contributes to a very good quality of life both during and after treatment.
FAST-Forward is suitable for most women with early-stage breast cancer who have undergone breast-conserving surgery and do not require lymph node irradiation. The doctor always decides on the suitability of a specific regimen on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient’s health status and other treatment-related factors.
In some cases (such as after complex breast reconstruction, in the presence of a breast implant, or following prior chest radiation), the doctor may recommend a different type of radiotherapy. Proton radiotherapy is also not suitable for patients with a pacemaker or other implanted electronic devices.
