Proton beam therapy is a type of radiotherapy that targets tumours with high-energy, positively charged particles (protons). It is a more precise alternative to X-ray (photon) radiation therapy, which is more commonly used to treat cancers.
The precise nature of proton therapy, with the ability to target cancer cells at a specific depth inside the patient, means there is less radiation delivered to healthy tissue surrounding the tumour. This can result in fewer side-effects for the person being treated. It also makes proton therapy a safer treatment option for children and adolescents since their rapidly growing and developing cells are more susceptible to damage from the radiation.
For more information about proton therapy and particle therapy please see our “Resources” page.