Proton beam therapy

Proton beam therapy has precise physical dosage characteristics that enable the delivery of an optimal dose distribution to the targeted cancer tissue while limiting the amount of radiation affecting normal tissue. It is a gentle form of radiotherapy with generally lower side effects than other forms of radiotherapy. Especially for pediatric care, it is important to ensure that the quality of life can be preserved. A proton beam therapy system consists of an accelerator (cyclotron), an energy selection system, a beam transport system, and rotating gantry irradiation equipment (gantry, irradiation nozzle, and patient positioning equipment). High-intensity proton beams from the cyclotron allow for the shortening of the beam irradiation time and reduce the load on the patient.

More information is available at: https://www.shi.co.jp/english//products/industry/proton/index.html.

Basic Principles Of Proton Therapy

At proton irradiation of matter, such as living tissue, protons lose most of their energy just before they come to rest. This allows the maximal dose to be released at the tumor, while healthy tissue can be spared from irradiation. As a consequence, a gradual escalation of the dose to the tumor is possible. Effective treatments, enabled by better dosage control, allow for higher cure rates.

Single room compact proton therapy system.

Dual gantry compact proton therapy system.