The History of Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is the most precise radiation treatment available for cancer. But who, precisely, invented it?

It has taken the work of many scientists and physicians over the past century to explore and refine proton therapy. From Wilhelm Röntgen's discovery of X-rays to Marie Curie's experiments with radiation to Dr. Robert Rathbun Wilson's pioneering premise that protons could be used to treat cancer, each breakthrough has been a block upon which others could build.

Over the years, research has grown more focused, much like proton therapy itself. And although scientists and physicians have looked at the problem from many different angles, they all have a common dream: to find a therapy that targets a tumor more accurately and reduces harm to healthy tissue.

That dream has been realized in proton therapy, and researchers continue to discover new applications for this lifesaving treatment. With new progress being made every day, who knows where proton therapy will take us?

Click here to see a brief timeline of the advances in proton therapy over the past century.