Proton Therapy For Head and Neck Cancers

Proton beam radiation has been used for cancer treatment since the 1950s, but recent growing interest in this form of therapy and the construction of hospital and clinic-based facilities for its delivery have greatly increased both the number of patients and the variety of tumors being treated with proton therapy. The mass of proton particles and their unique physical properties allow proton therapy to spare normal tissues distal to the tumor target from incidental irradiation. Improved local control and survival outcomes for patients with cancer of the head and neck region have been seen with the advent of advances in imaging and multimodality therapy comprising surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This course will examine new technological advances in proton therapy, and explore their anticipated affects on head and neck cancer outcomes.

Target Audience

Primary Care Physicians, Dentists, Otolaryngologists, Gastroenterologists, Radiologists, Medical Oncologists, Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons, Surgeons, Pathologists, Pediatricians, Hospitalists and Physician Assistants.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify new technological advances in proton therapy and explore their anticipated effects on head and neck cancer outcomes.
Additional information
Bibliography: 

Joshi, P., Nair, S., Chaturvedi, P., Nair, D., Agarwal, J., & D'Cruz, A. (2014). Delay in seeking specialized care for oral cancers: Experience from a tertiary cancer center. Indian journal of cancer, 51(2), 95.

Course Summary
Available credit: 
  • 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 0.50 General certificate of attendance
  • 0.50 Florida Board of Dentistry
Course opens: 
05/01/2016
Course expires: 
05/01/2018

Minesh P. Mehta, M.D.
Radiation Oncologist
Deputy Director and Radiation Oncology Chief
Miami Cancer Institute
Miami, Florida

Minesh P. Mehta, M.D., has indicated that he has consulted for Cavion, Novartis and Novocure. Dr. Mehta as been on the Data Monitoring Safety Board for Monteris and on the Board of Directors for Pharmacyclics. Dr. Mehta has also received grant support from Cellectar and Novocure. Dr. Mehta has also indicated that his discussions will include mention of investigational or off-label usage.

Non-faculty contributors and others involved in the planning, development and editing/review of the content have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

Disclosure Policy and Disclaimer

Baptist Health South Florida is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Baptist Health has been re-surveyed by the ACCME and awarded Commendation for 6 years as a provider of CME for physicians.
              
Baptist Health South Florida designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
 

Available Credit

  • 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 0.50 General certificate of attendance
  • 0.50 Florida Board of Dentistry
Please login or register for a Baptist Health CME account to take this course.

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