Julie McCrossin AM: I am frustrated at the delay in Australians getting access to proton therapy for oropharyngeal cancer

Julie McCrossin AM, Journalist at Julie McCrossin, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“As a survivor of oropharyngeal cancer, treated with conventional radiation therapy, I am frustrated at the delay in Australians getting access to protontherapy and particletherapy as a treatment option here in Australia.

For those unfamiliar with this topic, there is evidence that there is a reduction in side effects when an eligible Head & Neck Cancer patient is treated with proton therapy.

This is a major benefit for the quality of life of Head and Neck Cancer patients as our side effects are well-known to be harsh due to the impact on basic functions like eating and speaking.

I am aware of the anticipated benefits of the MR LINAC.

I recently visited P-Cure in Jerusalem and saw their proton therapy delivery system.

I spoke to the Head and Neck Cancer patient who had just received his treatment in the sitting up position.

Here are two short interviews I conducted inside the P-Cure Bunker with team members.

Adaptive Proton Therapy – Sitting Up in LINAC Bunker. Interview with Dr Jon Feldman Jerusalem 2024.

Adaptive Proton Therapy – Sitting Up in LINAC Bunker. RTT & Nurse Perspective. Jerusalem 2024 .

Leo Cancer Care is also working towards offering proton therapy in the up-right position.

These up-right delivery systems have benefits, including cost benefits, as they fit into current sized bunkers or slightly enlarged bunkers.

Sadly the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research in Adelaide is experiencing delays in opening.

It would be great if members of the general multidisciplinary cancer community, including patient and family advocate organisations, could be given public information about the steps that are being taken to close this gap in access to an innovative new treatment option that is being delivered in other parts of the world.”

Source: Julie McCrossin AM/LinkedIn