Potential benefits of proton therapy in clinic

Abstract

Proton therapy offers great potential in cancer treatment compared with the conventional photon therapy. The advantages of the unique physical properties of protons are a reduction of integral dose to critical structures proximal to the target area and less radiation related side effects. There are many cancer related indications that may benefit from the advantages. The challenges in proton therapy are dealing with physical uncertainties that affect the dose distribution, improving the technology to make proton therapy more efficient and proofing the clinical- and cost-effectiveness. This critical review discusses the physical properties, beam production and delivery, cost-effectiveness and the clinical facet of protons including CNS tumours, prostate cancer, left-sided breast cancer, head and neck tumours and Hodgkin’s disease.