Proton therapy boosted 5-year survival to 90.9% and reduced side effects in advanced head and neck cancer patients, a major trial found.

A major U.S. Phase III trial involving 440 patients with advanced head and neck cancer found proton therapy improved 5-year survival rates to 90.9% compared to 81% with traditional radiation, along with fewer severe side effects like dry mouth, swallowing difficulties, and feeding tube dependence. Conducted at 21 sites and led by MD Anderson Cancer Center, the study supports proton therapy as a superior standard of care for oropharyngeal cancer due to its precision in targeting tumors while sparing healthy tissue.