Proton therapy
Proton Therapy
Proton therapy (pronounced: /ˈproʊtɒn θɛrəpi/), also known as proton beam therapy, is a type of radiation therapy that uses protons rather than x-rays to treat cancer. It is a highly precise method of radiotherapy delivery, used to treat solid cancers.
Etymology
The term "proton therapy" is derived from the word "proton", which is a subatomic particle carrying a positive electric charge, and "therapy", which refers to the treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
History
Proton therapy was first proposed in 1946 by Robert R. Wilson, a physicist who was involved in the Manhattan Project. The first treatments were carried out in nuclear research facilities, starting in 1954 at the Berkeley Radiation Laboratory.
Procedure
In proton therapy, a machine called a synchrotron or cyclotron speeds up the protons. These high-energy protons can destroy cancer cells. The treatment is delivered in a highly targeted manner, which can limit damage to healthy tissue near the cancer.
Advantages
Proton therapy's main advantage is its ability to precisely localize the radiation dose. When protons enter the body, they slow down and interact with electrons, releasing their energy. The point where this release is most intense is the Bragg Peak, which can be targeted at the tumor.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Proton therapy
- Wikipedia's article - Proton therapy
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