Proton therapy
Radiation using protons, which stop inside the tumour instead of passing through, so tissue behind it gets no dose.
Established for paediatric tumours, skull-base and spine tumours, and re-irradiation. Randomised data versus photons are mixed in adults (oesophageal positive for toxicity, some negative trials); cost-effectiveness debated. Compact single-room systems (Mevion, IBA Proteus One) expand access.
How it works
Bragg peak: protons deposit maximum energy at a depth set by their energy, with no exit dose. Pencil-beam scanning paints the tumour.
- No exit dose; lower integral dose
- Reduced second cancers in children
- Cost
- Range uncertainty
- Limited randomised evidence in adults
Latest papers
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