Proton radiation
- The chances of a cure are improved.
The targeted bundling of the proton energy directly in the tumour reduces the total radiation dosage delivered to healthy tissue to approximately one-third or less, depending on the relevant tumour geometry, by comparison with x-ray radiation using the same tumour dosage. This allows the therapeutically effective dosage to be increased so that the tumour cells can be reliably destroyed. Theoretically, this means the chances of a cure rise to nearly 100% in tumours which do not yet have metastases (currently the cure rate is about 75%). (see e.g. Scientific Report 2007 of the PSI Paul Scherrer Institute in Villingen, Switzerland)
- The side effects are reduced.
Radiotherapy frequently places such a burden on an organism thathospitalization is necessary. However, the favourable ratio of useful radiation to damaging radiation in proton therapy means the therapeutic tumour dosage, which is limited by side effects, can be increased while at the same time reducing the dosage deposited in healthy tissue. Proton radiation is relatively well tolerated and can, in most cases, be administered on an outpatient basis. The risk of a secondary tumour resulting years later is substantially reduced. With conventional radiotherapy, the incidence of a radiation-induced tumour can reach 1% per year. This is why children must be radiated (when radiation is required) with protons according to the standards accepted worldwide.
- The treatment options increase.
The absence of radiation behind the tumour means proton radiation can be used to target the forms of cancer in which conventional radiation would present too much risk. These also include tumours near the spinal cord or the brain stem, bronchial carcinoma (lung cancer) or multiple metastases. For example, it is possible to target the retina without damaging the optic nerve or the portion of the brain behind the eye.
- The treatment time is reduced.
The number of sessions required can frequently be reduced by comparison with x-ray radiation, because higher individual dosages are possible with proton radiation. This reduces the burden on the patient and facilitates shorter treatment times.
