Cancer treatment with proton therapy

Proton therapy is radiation therapy that uses positively charged particles to kill cancer cells. Precise radiation delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumor, minimizing exposure to surrounding tissue. That's why it's used for treating cancers near sensitive organs or tissues, such as the brain, eye, or prostate. During proton therapy, a beam of protons is directed at the cancerous tumor using a cyclotron or synchrotron. The protons are accelerated to very high energies and aimed at cancer. When the protons reach the tumor, they deposit their energy in it, causing damage to the DNA of cancer cells and killing them. Protons can be combined with chemotherapy, surgery, or standalone treatments. The steps involved in proton therapy include meeting with a healthcare team. Then, they create a treatment plan, including a 3D model to determine the dose and beam direction. Before treatment begins, the patient will undergo a simulation session. Proton therapy is given on an outpatient basis; treatment lasts about 30 minutes each. Most patients receive sessions once daily, five days a week, for several weeks. After completion, the patient will need to follow up. Proton therapy is well-tolerated; however, as with any cancer treatment, there are potential risks.