The Beam: Proton therapy conference recap, your protein needs during therapy, meet Jillian Wimbery

2024 National Association of Proton Therapy Conference takeaways

A contingent of Fred Hutch Cancer Center – Proton Therapy staff attended the National Association of Proton Therapy (NAPT) Conference in Boston last month.

The conference, which hosted 335 members from more than 50 proton therapy facilities in the U.S., Great Britain, Israel and Japan, included learning sessions, social gatherings and tours of both Massachusetts General Hospital and a manufacturer of proton therapy equipment. Attendees were even able to see the solar eclipse.

Senior management, radiation therapists, intake specialists and marketing and concierge staff all were in attendance during the four-day conference. Staff attended a variety of seminars covering topics such as clinical study data, emerging technology and billing and insurance and research. Breakout sessions on topics such as caring for pediatric patients, operational efficiency, access to proton therapy and trends in dosimetry were also offered.

“More than anything, the conference was very validating,” said Cassidy Riley-Van Wagoner, patient access operations manager for the Fred Hutch proton facility. “Many of the techniques, workflows and pain points that other centers have are very similar to our own and being able to talk about them and learn from other centers was so helpful. We’ve got some great ideas on how to better communicate and educate regarding downtime, explore reimbursement opportunities and review our staffing strategy to allow for better patient access.”

John Bono, radiation therapy supervisor for Fred Hutch, agreed.

“I plan to contact some of the proton radiation therapy managers from other proton facilities around the country to create a group that will meet and talk twice a year to review workflow strategies,” he said. “This could help increase efficiencies.”

According to patient care coordinator support staff supervisor Matt Garcia, one of the most important sessions explored ways to increase insurance coverage for proton therapy. 

“It was fantastic to learn there is ongoing lobbying in Capitol Hill by the Regulatory Relief Coalition to get policymakers on board with expanding proton insurance coverage,” he said. “One example that has directly impacted our center is a bipartisan bill called the Senior’s Timely Access to Care Act. It works to increase Medicare Advantage plan approvals and standardize the prior authorization processes. It’s good to know we have allies in Washington, D.C. working to help remove barriers to patient care.”

One session of interest was a history of proton therapy, from the cyclotron used in the Manhattan Project to the highly precise technology that Fred Hutch and other facilities across the country use today. In another session, researchers discussed a comparative study of protons versus photons for head and neck cancer that will publish results this summer.

One of the most popular sessions was “Patient voices: Perspectives on the patient experience and survivorship,” which featured three former proton therapy patients who spoke about their treatment and recovery.

“With all the numbers, research and information about efficiency and capabilities, it was nice to see patients talk and discuss their points of view,” Bono said. “One of the patients discussed her fear of not being able to get pregnant following proton therapy, but later surprised the audience by revealing that she recently had a baby. That reinforced the true motivation behind what we do every day.”

The importance of protein during cancer care

—  By Laura (Buono) Martinell, RD, CSO, CD, CNSC

Even though side effects caused by cancer treatment may make it difficult to eat enough calories and protein, it’s important to try to eat nutritious foods during radiation therapy. The goal is to eat enough to maintain your weight and keep up your strength.

Calorie needs are often higher during treatment and weight loss can be a sign that you’re not getting enough good nutrition to support your body. Weight loss, though common during treatment for cancer, may lead to complications such as delayed healing. 

Why do I need protein?

Protein can help keep up your muscle mass and repair any damage to your body caused by treatment. Inadequate protein intake can cause weakness and fatigue. Because of this, it is good to have protein with each meal and snack that you eat.

Nuts and nut butters (like peanut or almond butter), eggs, dairy products, fish, meat and poultry, soy (such as tofu) and legumes are all good sources of protein.

Ideas for high protein snacks and meals:

• Fruit with yogurt or cottage cheese
  
• Crackers or toast with peanut butter
• Oatmeal with nuts
• Tuna, egg, or chicken salad sandwich, or with crackers
• Hummus and pita chips or vegetable sticks
• Soups with legumes (beans, lentils, and peas)
• Trail mix

Also, check out the recipe ideas at the end of this article.

Can I use protein supplements?

If you’re having a difficult time eating certain foods, you could try pre-made protein shakes, or homemade smoothies that include protein powders. Most protein powders and pre-made protein drinks are available with either whey or pea protein.

Whey protein is derived from milk and contains lactose. For many patients, whey protein is the most easily tolerated, however, if you are lactose intolerant there are other options, too. Pea protein, made from green peas, is a vegetarian source of protein.

If you have an unflavored protein powder, you can also add it to soups, stews, casseroles and baked goods.  For flavored protein powders, try adding them to smoothies, mixing in with milk, or stirring into oatmeal.

Your supplemental protein should not have more than 100% of the daily value for antioxidants and should NOT contain any herbal ingredients, such as spirulina, creatine, echinacea, gingko or ginseng, as these can interfere with treatment.

The goal of radiation therapy is to damage the cancer cells. High doses of antioxidants found in supplements may prevent your radiation treatment from being as effective because they may protect the cancer cells. Antioxidants from whole foods are always encouraged.

How do I learn more about protein? 

Each patient at Fred Hutch has free access to nutrition services provided by a registered dietitian (RD). Your RD understands your treatment and side effects and can help you maintain good nutrition throughout your cancer care. It will be tailored to your specific needs. If you don't already have one, ask your care team to refer you to a registered dietitian.

Recipes from Fred Hutch’s Cook for Your Life: 

Choose Your Own Adventure Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

1 cup (8 ounces) plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup fresh or frozen fruit, such as berries or peaches

1/4 cup mixed nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds or cashews

1 tablespoon mixed seeds, such as flaxseed, chia or sunflower

1 tablespoon shredded, unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions:

In two bowls, divide yogurt evenly and top each bowl with half the amount of fruit, nuts, seeds, and coconut.

 

High Protein Blueberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups blueberries

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup spinach

1/2 banana

1/4 cup protein powder

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 cup rolled oats

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until smooth. Serve immediately.

Laura (Buono) Martinell, RD, CSO, CD, CNSC, is a registered dietician with over 20 years of experience. She works with both proton therapy and general oncology patients and is a board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition and a certified nutrition support clinician.

Meet Jillian Wimberly, radiation therapist

Jillian Wimberly joined the Fred Hutch radiation therapist team earlier this year. As a radiation therapist, Wimberly reviews treatment plans, prepares the rooms, positions patients and administers the course of radiation therapy prescribed by the radiation oncologist. Her job also involves monitoring patients, documenting treatment sessions, collaborating with the patient’s care team and providing patient education and support.

“I love providing patient care,” she said. “Making a positive impact on peoples’ lives and contributing to their well-being is incredibly rewarding.”

Wimberly received her bachelor's degree in radiation therapy at University of Texas in 2015 and worked at a proton therapy facility for several years before she moved to the Seattle area in 2018 to expand her radiation therapy skills.

Now she’s come full circle to work in proton therapy again.

“I am both excited and honored to be part of the team at Fred Hutch,” she said. “Protons have always been a love of mine. What draws me most to proton therapy is the unique capabilities it offers over traditional radiation therapy.”

A native of southeast Texas, Wimberly's youth was steeped in Cajun culture and she developed a love for Cajun cuisine.

“A few of my favorite Cajun dishes are gumbo, shrimp or crawfish etouffee and beignets, especially from Café Du Mond in New Orleans,” she said. “A favorite tradition I still celebrate is Mardi Gras, especially indulging in Mardi Gras king cake.”

In her free time, Wimberly loves hiking and snowboarding, visiting family in Texas, going on road trips, camping, spending quality time with friends and exploring all the food and coffee in Seattle. And though Cajun restaurants are few here in Seattle, she has found she now also really enjoys Thai and Indian cuisine.

Please say “hi” to Wimberly when you see her at the proton therapy facility and ask her about her recommendations for hikes here in Washington state.

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