A form of external beam radiation therapy known as proton radiation therapy uses hydrogen (proton) ions as the main treatment beam. Because all protons have the same positive charge, magnetic fields can affect them. By employing a particle accelerator, the protons are accelerated and transformed into charged particles.

They are inserted into the patient's tumour after being charged with energy and guided using magnetic fields. Despite being created in the 1920s, proton radiation treatment has only lately become well-known as a non-invasive alternative to conventional photon-based radiotherapy. Here, we examine proton radiation devices and how they differ from current medical technology.

What does proton therapy require?

A form of external beam radiation therapy known as proton radiation therapy uses hydrogen (proton) ions as the main treatment beam. Because all protons have the same positive charge, magnetic fields can affect them. By employing a particle accelerator, the protons are accelerated and transformed into charged particles.

They are inserted into the patient's tumour after being charged with energy and guided using magnetic fields. In proton therapy, the accelerator delivers particles to the tumour using a particle accelerator. Electricity accelerates the particles, which are then magnetically directed to the tumour by the machine's magnets. The charged particles are being directed to the tumour location through a channel that is created by these magnets.

How Does Proton Radiation Therapy Work?

In proton therapy, the accelerator delivers particles to the tumour using a particle accelerator. Electricity accelerates the particles, which are then magnetically directed to the tumour by the machine's magnets. The charged particles are being directed to the tumour location through a channel that is created by these magnets.

Accelerated proton radiation therapy and thermal proton therapy are the two different types of proton therapy. In place of protons, electrons are delivered to the tumour during proton treatment. The tumour then stops the electrons, which causes heat to be produced.

Proton radiation therapy advantages

With proton treatment, the tumour receives the radiation dose while the rest of the body is spared. Less side effects and a higher likelihood of survival result from this. For the treatment of cancers in delicate areas including the kidneys, spine, and brain, proton therapy is the best option. High doses of radiation are directed towards the tumour throughout the procedure, sparing the surrounding healthy tissues.

It is less likely to result in adverse effects since proton treatment concentrates the radiation dose on the tumour rather than the surrounding tissue. Due of the spine's abundance of nerves, blood arteries, and muscles, proton therapy is frequently utilised to treat cancers there. Regular radiation therapy may harm these tissues, increasing the risk of unpleasant side effects and decreasing survival rates.

Since proton therapy is less likely to harm surrounding nerves, blood arteries, and muscles, it may be suggested when a patient's tumour is close to the spine.

Proton radiation therapy's drawbacks

While compared to other forms of radiation therapy, proton therapy is less harmful to healthy cells and organs, it still doesn't totally protect them. While the majority of the radiation dosage from proton therapy is deposited in the tumour, the tumour cannot absorb all of the radiation.

Radiation will cause some healthy cells to be exposed and harmed.

If the patient's tumour is, for instance, close to the spine, part of the radiation may be absorbed by the spine and harm the healthy cells there.

Proton radiation therapy side effects

Proton radiation therapy damages healthy cells more frequently than other forms of radiation therapy because it gives higher radiation doses to malignant cells.

Several side effects are as follows:

nausea and diarrhoea

During proton therapy, some patients may experience nausea and vomiting. Before each treatment, using antiemetics (drugs that stop nausea and vomiting) may help lessen these side effects.

Skin sensitivity

Skin irritation can result with proton therapy. Creams or ointments can be used to treat this, and results could improve over time.

hair fall

Compared to other forms of radiation therapy, proton therapy causes hair loss more frequently. Some patients might need to use hairpieces or wigs to conceal hair loss.

fertility problems

The impact of proton therapy on male fertility is unknown. Proton treatment may reduce sperm production, however males haven't been examined for this effect. Radiation therapy can harm the ovaries in women, which can result in decreased fertility or long-term infertility.

How Should I Pick a Proton Therapy Facility?

Finding a proton therapy facility that suits your needs is crucial while looking for one.

Here are a few things to think about:

Clinical study completion: Before signing up for a clinical trial, confirm that it has been successfully completed. Clinical trials that aren't finished could go on longer than necessary.

Experience with patients: Discover how long the facility has been providing proton treatment. A shorter history can suggest that the facility is new and has little expertise caring for patients.

Drug accessibility: Verify that the facility has the medications required for your therapy.

Proton therapy costs: Your insurance plan might pay these expenses. Before beginning proton therapy, make sure you are aware of the details of your insurance coverage.

Conclusion

A form of external beam radiation therapy known as proton radiation therapy uses hydrogen (proton) ions as the main treatment beam. Because all protons have the same positive charge, magnetic fields can affect them. By employing a particle accelerator, the protons are accelerated and transformed into charged particles.

They are inserted into the patient's tumour after being charged with energy and guided using magnetic fields. In proton therapy, the accelerator delivers particles to the tumour using a particle accelerator.

Electricity accelerates the particles, which are then magnetically directed to the tumour by the machine's magnets. The charged particles are being directed to the tumour location through a channel that is created by these magnets.