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Proton Therapy | Benefits

The clinical benefits of protons are illustrated in the image below that shows the dose depositions as a function of the depth in tissue for both protons and photons. The dose deposition of protons has two desirable characteristics:

  • The maximum proton range is well defined and a function of incoming beam energy
  • Most of the proton energy is lost over a short distance close to the maximum penetration depth resulting in the so-called Bragg peak.

The Proton Advantage

For treatment purposes, the proton beam energy can be selected so that the Bragg peak coincides with the treatment volume. To irradiate most treatment volumes a Spread-Out Bragg Peak (SOBP) is accomplished by superimposing multiple beams of slightly different energies. The Bragg peak or SOBP ensures a limited dose deposition in the skin region and no dose behind the target volume. This greatly improves dose conformity and the ability to spare healthy tissue allows clinicians to treat tumors close to vital organs.

 

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