Traditional radiation therapy (which uses photons, or X-rays) kills cancer by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Proton therapy kills cancer the same way. The difference is that proton therapy can be precisely targeted to the tumor, allowing patients to receive higher, more effective doses of radiation while eliminating any exit dose. Research shows proton therapy greatly reduces damage to healthy tissue near the tumor causing fewer side effects than traditional radiation therapy, diminishing the chances of secondary tumors and improving quality of life for patients.
Courtesy of IBA Particle Therapy |
