Innovative Radiation Therapy Helps Cancer Patient Avoid Side Effects
When Tiffiney Beard received a diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma in April 2024, she braced herself for a difficult journey. This rare cancer of the salivary glands often invades nerve tissue, bringing with it a slew of debilitating side effects such as fatigue, jaw pain, loss of taste, trouble swallowing, headaches, and memory problems.
A Complex Diagnosis
Beard’s case presented an added challenge. Her tumor had grown into the nerves leading to her brain, making conventional treatment even riskier. Yet, months into her treatment, she experienced none of the expected side effects.
Enter Proton Arc Therapy
Thanks to a cutting-edge approach known as proton arc therapy, Beard completed radiation without the typical complications. This advanced technique delivers radiation in a continuous, highly targeted manner, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
“After having the tumor removed—it was about the size of a gumball—I went through 33 proton therapy treatments,” said Beard, 46, of Redford, Michigan. “Amazingly, I had no side effects and didn’t miss a single day of work.”
A First in the U.S.
Researchers have published Beard’s experience as a case study in the International Journal of Particle Therapy. This marks the first use of proton arc therapy to treat head and neck cancer in the United States.
As per MedicineNet, proton therapy differs from conventional radiation by using positively charged particles instead of X-rays. Proton arc therapy enhances this approach by allowing even more precise radiation delivery, which helps protect vital organs and tissues from exposure.
Expert Insight
“Managing this type of tumor is very difficult because of its natural tendency to be nerve-seeking,” explained Dr. Rohan Deraniyagala, Beard’s radiation oncologist at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.
For three months, Beard underwent daily 30-minute sessions, five days a week. The short, efficient treatments allowed her to maintain her routine and avoid disruptions to her family life.
A Remarkable Outcome
Since completing therapy in early August 2024, Beard has remained cancer-free, with no signs of radiation toxicity—especially in the brain, where risks were highest.
“The only visible side effect was a bit of skin discoloration on the left side of her face,” said Dr. Deraniyagala. “It was rewarding to see a patient go through this with virtually no discomfort.”
Looking Ahead
Dr. Deraniyagala remains optimistic about the future of proton-based treatments. “Proton beam therapies are advancing rapidly. While step-and-shoot proton arc therapy worked exceptionally well for Tiffiney, it’s just one step on the path toward even more refined techniques.”
He added, “The fact that Tiffiney experienced virtually no side effects is a great outcome—and a promising sign for what’s next in cancer treatment.”