Exactly how does proton therapy work?
Protons are large particles that can be manipulated to release their energy. The more energy, the deeper the protons can penetrate into the body. Doctors can calculate the precise amount of proton energy needed to release the radiation exactly at the tumor site. The peak of this proton radiation dose (called the Bragg Peak) is set so it releases the radiation when it hits the tumor; immediately after that point, the radiation dose falls to zero. Less of the radiation reaches the healthy tissue in front of the tumor, and almost none of it reaches the healthy tissue behind the tumor. That results in much less damage to healthy tissue and, therefore, fewer short-term and long-term side effects. It also means that a higher dose often can be delivered, leading to more effective treatment.
