Proton radiotherapy is a very effective, precise and gentle cancer treatment with minimal side effects. Thanks to the precise targeting of the proton beam directly into the tumor, side effects are significantly reduced. This gives proton treatment a chance to live a quality life even after cancer treatment without the increased risk of late toxicity, when problems appear several years after radiation (10, 15 or even 20 years).
The aim of modern oncological treatment is to ensure patients the maximum chance of a cure while minimizing the side effects associated with the treatment. Today, proton therapy achieves this goal to the maximum extent. Unlike conventional radiotherapy, which uses photons to irradiate and destroy tumor cells, proton therapy is more advanced and uses protons. These particles give proton therapy many advantages. The biggest advantage compared to conventional radiotherapy is precision and its ability to protect healthy tissues.
A normal photon beam passes through the body and delivers a significant portion of its energy in front of and behind the tumor.
However, protons have a physical property called the Bragg peak. It has the ability to deliver significantly less energy on its way to the tumor, and this energy does not impact the tissues behind the tumor.
