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Proton Radiation Therapy

Proton Beam Principles

Protons have a physical advantage over gamma rays, photon rays and x-rays when it comes to sparing normal tissues. Protons lose only a small amount of energy when they enter the body. Their remaining energy is released when they reach the tumor, delivering the most effective dose of radiation. Proton beams have no exit dose unlike conventional radiation therapy and how deeply the radiation penetrates is calculated based on the tumor's location. Irregularly shaped lesions with awkward configurations near critical structures are well suited for proton beam therapy.

 

Protons deposit most of their radiation energy in what is known as the Bragg peak, which occurs at the point of greatest penetration of the protons in tissue. The exact depth to which protons penetrate, and at which the Bragg peak occurs, is dependent on the energy of the proton beam. This energy can be very precisely controlled to place the Bragg peak within a tumor or other tissues that are targeted to receive the radiation dose. Because the protons are absorbed at this point, normal tissues beyond the target receive very little or no radiation.

Locations

There are currently 7 proton centers in the US, with approximately 8 more that are in development or construction. The three sites that have been most reported as being their choice for ACCOI members have been:

Midwest Proton Institute, Bloomington, IN

Loma Linda Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

 

Below are links for several informational brochures

 

Proton Radiation Information from Midwest Proton Institute, Bloomington, IN Click here

 

Proton Radiation Patient Information from PSI in Villigan, Switzerland Click here

 

Proton Radiation General Information from Mass General, Boston MA Click here

 

Proton Radiation for Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Tumors from Mass General MA Click here