Do some people receive both proton and photon radiation?
Yes, but this is at the radiation oncologists’ discretion. There are times that if is appropriate for a person to receive proton treatments to an area and then photons so that a higher, more curative dose may be achieved. This is called a proton boost. It may also be appropriate for a person to receive photon radiation to achieve pain relief or slow a fast growing tumor, until proton therapy can be delivered.