Proton therapy, also known as Proton Beam Therapy, is an advanced type of external beam Radiation Therapy. In Proton Therapy, surgeons use high-energy proton beams, instead of X-rays, to treat cancer. These high-precision beams irradiate the tumour and destroy it by attacking only the cancer cells.

Proton therapy is considered one of the most advanced forms of radiation therapy in the world. This can be attributed to the high levels of precision that the procedure offers, as compared to other treatment options. While X-ray beams are effective in controlling many cancers, they also deliver an ‘exit dose’ along the path beam. This exposes not just the targeted tumour to the radiation, but also the nearby healthy tissues. This exit dose is a cause of concern as the damage to the normal tissue or organs can affect the patient’s quality of life post-treatment.

In comparison, proton beams target the tumour with sub-millimetre accuracy, leaving the nearby tissues unharmed. Protons deliver the bulk of their energy at a precise focal point, designated by the surgeon. As the protons move through their path beam in the body, they slow down and interact with electrons, and release energy. The point where most energy is released is called the Braggs Peak. The Braggs Peak’s location can be accurately set by the surgeon to conform to the shape and depth of a tumour. The nearby healthy tissues and organs are spared, making Proton Therapy the most precise and effective treatment procedure ever.