Why is proton therapy often considered a better treatment option compared to standard X-ray radiation therapy?
Because proton beams deposit more of their energy directly in the tumor, less radiation reaches the healthy tissue in front of the tumor, and almost none reaches the healthy tissue behind the tumor. Patients often experience fewer short- and long-term side effects that typically accompany standard X-ray radiation therapy. In addition, because more radiation can be deposited directly in the tumor, a higher dose often can be delivered, leading to more effective treatment.
Because proton beams deposit more of their energy directly in the tumor, less radiation reaches the healthy tissue in front of the tumor, and almost none reaches the healthy tissue behind the tumor.1 Patients often experience fewer short- and long-term side effects than typically accompany standard X-ray radiation therapy.
