ROCHESTER, Minn. — A new nationwide study published in The Lancet, including Mayo Clinic, revealed that proton beam radiation therapy offers significant benefits for patients with oropharyngeal cancer, extending survival rates and reducing side effects compared to traditional photon therapy.

Proton therapy, previously used in pediatric cases to minimize treatment-related side effects, has now shown promise for adults. "Protons have been studied extensively in pediatric populations and consistently demonstrate reduced short- and long-term toxicity," said Nadia Laack, M.D., chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Mayo Clinic.

The study, involving 18 institutions across the U.S., found that proton therapy reduced immune system weakening by 15% and severe swallowing issues by 13%, c

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