Treating Base-of-Skull Tumors with Proton Therapy

Proton Therapy for a Critical Region

Tumors in the base-of-skull region, including chordomas and chondrosarcomas, are difficult to treat because they are often close to critical structures such as the brainstem, brain, cranial nerves and optic nerves. Proton therapy can be particularly appropriate for these tumors because it minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.^2-5

Northwestern Medicine Proton Center is one of the few proton therapy centers throughout the Midwest and the first one in Illinois. Our team is dedicated to explaining all of your treatment options for base-of-the-skull tumors and facilitating a conversation with you and your physician or oncologist to determine the best course of treatment for you.

To learn if you can benefit from proton therapy, call 1.877.887.5807 or fill out our online form.

Skull base tumors can be complicated. Proton therapy is often able to deliver a high dose of radiation precisely conform to the tumor with less damage to the surrounding tissue of the brain and spinal cord.² The more radiation delivered to the tumor, the greater the chance of completely destroying it.¹

Proton therapy is considered safe, non-invasive and painless. Depending on the patient's diagnosis, treatments for base-of-skull tumors are usually given five days a week for up to eight weeks.

Patients continue with normal activities before and after treatment. Some patients choose to work; others go on a “radiation vacation” and spend their days doing recreational activities before or after treatment.

• Brain tumors
• Breast cancer
• Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers
• Head and neck tumors
• Lung cancer