The use of proton therapy for treating cancer is on the rise, but challenges in care access persist, according to a survey published September 29 by the National Association for Proton Therapy (NAPT).
The NAPT published the findings from its annual member survey, which included data from 46 member centers in the U.S. The association has conducted the survey since 2012.
“This year’s report paints an encouraging picture of a field that continues to move forward as more patients are being treated and new centers are opening their doors to serve those in need of advanced cancer treatments,” said Jennifer Maggiore, executive director of the NAPT, in a prepared statement. “While challenges remain, especially around access and prior authorization, the progress outlined in this year’s survey is a strong indicator that the industry is headed in the right direction.”
The number of patients receiving proton therapy increased slightly by 1,081 patients from 2023 to 2024. This made for a total of 18,202 patients nationwide in 2024.
From 2023 to 2024, several conditions were treated more frequently with proton therapy. These included the following: breast cancer cases (+1.9%), gastrointestinal tract cancer cases (+7%), head and neck cancer cases (+2.5%), and re-irradiation treatments (+8.7%).
However, the survey also highlighted current challenges in access to proton therapy. Two-thirds of proton centers reported delays in patient care due to prior authorization, the results showed. And 73% of these centers had at least one-quarter or more cases that needed prior authorization.
Additionally, one-third of prior authorization requests for proton therapy were initially denied. This is a slight increase from 30% reported in 2023.
Finally, the survey found a slight decrease in the number of patients reporting delays in care delivery due to prior authorization from 76% in 2023 to 71% in 2024.
The NAPT said it continues to advocate for broader coverage policies that eliminate barriers to care and recognize the clinical value of proton therapy.