Proton Therapy Advocates Underscore Need for Fair and Timely Access to

Treatment for Cancer Patients During Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Data show proton therapy associated with fewer post-operative complications and shorter hospital
stays for patients living with esophageal cancer.

Washington, DC, April 18, 2018 --(PR.com)-- In recognition of Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in
April, the Alliance for Proton Therapy Access is calling for policies that hold insurers accountable for
providing fair, timely, and transparent access to cancer treatment. For many cancer patients, including
individuals diagnosed with esophageal cancer, insurers are routinely denying payment for
doctor-recommended proton therapy.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 17,000 new cases of esophageal cancer are expected to
be diagnosed this year. In many cases patients aren't diagnosed until their cancer has reached an advanced
stage, making treatment especially difficult.

Fortunately, recent research has shown that proton therapy can be an effective treatment option for
patients living with esophageal cancer, associated with fewer post-operative complications and shorter
hospital stays.[i] A 2013 study of nearly 450 patients with esophageal cancer found that those who
received proton therapy had fewer gastrointestinal and pulmonary toxicities than patients who received
photon therapy.[ii]

“Proton therapy has proven to be a highly effective treatment for patients living with esophageal cancer,”
said Daniel E. Smith, President of the Alliance. “Yet far too many patients are suffering undue health
risks, anxiety, and financial hardship as they battle a broken insurance review and appeal process that
makes it difficult - and sometimes even impossible - to receive the treatments their doctors prescribe.
Patients deserve fair, timely, and transparent treatment decisions from their insurers, which is why the
Alliance is working diligently to ensure insurers are held accountable.”

Proton therapy is an FDA-cleared treatment that allows physicians to precisely direct proton energy to
cancerous cells, minimizing excess radiation exposure to healthy tissue. Because there are potentially
fewer side effects, proton therapy may be associated with improved quality of life for many patients while
undergoing treatment, allowing them to minimize loss of daily activity.

About the Alliance for Proton Therapy Access

The Alliance for Proton Therapy Access is an advocacy organization comprised of a growing community
of patients, families, caregivers, physicians, and industry partners working together to make sure all
cancer patients seeking proton therapy receive fair and timely payment decisions from their health
insurers. The Alliance is governed by a Board of Directors made up of patients, physicians and industry
partners. Sign up to be an advocate and learn more about the Alliance at allianceforprotontherapy.org.
Follow the Alliance on Facebook and Twitter.

[i] Lin SH, Merrell K W, Shen J, et al. “Multi-institutional analysis of radiation modality use and

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postoperative outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoradiation of esophageal cancer.” Radiother Oncol
2017:123:376-381.

[ii] Wang J, et al. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2013;86(5):885-91

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Contact Information:
Alliance for Proton Therapy Access
Ellen Almond
703-548-0019
Contact via Email
http://allianceforprotontherapy.org/

Online Version of Press Release:

You can read the online version of this press release at: https://www.pr.com/press-release/751145

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