Proton radiotherapy is a highly effective, precise, and gentle cancer treatment with minimal side effects. By precisely targeting the proton beam to the tumour, the occurrence of undesirable side effects is greatly reduced. In this way, proton therapy gives patients the chance to enjoy a quality life even after their cancer treatment is finished without an increased risk of late toxicity, which can occur even several years after radiation treatments (10, 15, or even 20 years).
The objective of modern cancer treatment is to ensure patients the maximum chance of recovery while minimising adverse effects related to the treatment. Proton therapy now achieves this objective to a maximum degree. Unlike conventional radiotherapy, which uses photons for tumour cell irradiation and destruction, proton therapy is more advanced and uses protons. These particles give the proton therapy its numerous advantages. The greatest advantage of proton therapy is that unlike common radiotherapy, it is precise and can protect healthy tissues.
The typical photon beam goes through the body and emits a significant portion of its energy in regions in front of and behind the tumour.
However, protons have a physical property called the Bragg peak. It has the ability to deliver significantly less energy on its way to the tumour, and this energy has no impact on the tissues behind the tumour.
