Particle beam

Overview of particle beam therapy in medicine

Particle Beam Therapy

Particle beam therapy equipment

Particle beam therapy is a form of radiation therapy that uses beams of energetic particles, such as protons or heavy ions, to treat cancer. Unlike traditional X-ray radiation therapy, particle beam therapy can deliver a more precise dose of radiation to a tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Types of Particle Beam Therapy

Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is the most common form of particle beam therapy. It uses protons, which are positively charged particles, to irradiate diseased tissue. The advantage of proton therapy is its ability to deliver radiation with a high degree of precision, reducing the risk of side effects.

Heavy Ion Therapy

Heavy ion therapy uses ions heavier than protons, such as carbon ions, to treat cancer. This type of therapy is particularly effective for treating tumors that are resistant to conventional radiation therapy.

Mechanism of Action

Particle beam therapy works by directing charged particles at high speeds towards cancer cells. These particles deposit energy along their path, causing damage to the DNA of the cancer cells, ultimately leading to cell death. The unique physical properties of particle beams allow for a more targeted approach compared to traditional radiation therapy.

Advantages

• **Precision**: Particle beams can be controlled to stop at a specific depth, known as the Bragg peak, allowing for maximum energy deposition at the tumor site.
• **Reduced Side Effects**: By sparing healthy tissue, patients experience fewer side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy.

Disadvantages

• **Cost**: The equipment and facilities required for particle beam therapy are expensive, making it less accessible.
• **Availability**: There are fewer particle beam therapy centers compared to traditional radiation therapy facilities.

Clinical Applications

Particle beam therapy is used to treat various types of cancer, including:

• Prostate cancer
• Pediatric cancers
• Head and neck cancers
• Lung cancer

See Also

• Radiation therapy
• Oncology
• Cancer treatment

External Links

• National Cancer Institute - Particle Beam Therapy
• Proton Therapy Center