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The Science of Proton TherapyProton Therapy Vs. X-Ray Therapy
Proton Therapy Vs. Traditional X-Ray Radiation Therapy
What are the differences between proton therapy and traditional X-ray radiation therapy?
Let's compare.
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Proton Therapy |
Traditional X-Ray Radiation Therapy |
- A lower dose of radiation is released at the surface, but a sharp burst of radiation is released as the proton beam reaches the tumor site.
- Proton radiation stops at the tumor, leaving the healthy cells beyond it unaffected.
- The proton beam can be contoured to the exact shape of the tumor, further decreasing radiation exposure and limiting side effects.
- Proton therapy is particularly effective for localized cancers, cancers near vital organs, and pediatric cancers.
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- Radiation affects everything in its path so doctors often limit the dose to minimize damage to critical organs.
- X-rays continue to pass through the body after reaching the tumor, affecting the healthy cells beyond it.
- X-ray radiation therapy is often used for cancers that have spread beyond the initial tumor site.
- High-dose, precision X-rays can be delivered through image-guided and intensity-modulated therapies. However, a larger area is exposed to low-dose radiation than with proton therapy.
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Proton therapy is often used in conjunction with traditional X-ray therapy or other treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, seed implants, and immunotherapy.
