Radiation therapy for cancer treatment with protons and carbon ions
Particle therapy is a highly precise form of radiation therapy that uses beams of high-energy protons or carbon ions to treat cancer. Unlike X-rays or electrons used in conventional radiotherapy, these particles deposit the maximum dose of radiation in the last millimeters of their path and thus directly in the tumour. The underlying physical phenomenon is called the “Bragg peak”.
Because of this effect, it is possible to minimize radiation exposure to the healthy tissue around the tumour, making particle therapy an ideal method for treating tumours near radiation-sensitive organs. Side effects and long-term consequences of radiation therapy can be reduced. More than 300,000 patients worldwide have already been treated with
particle therapy, and for many indications it is already an established form of therapy. It is used primarily for localized tumours, where local destruction of the tumour cells can lead to a cure or at least long-term survival.
Protons are the most widely used worldwide because of the more readily available equipment, while carbon ions require more complex technical equipment. Both particles have the advantage that radiation exposure to healthy tissue can be kept low. Carbon ions, however, have additionally higher biological effectiveness and unleash even greater destructive power in tumour cells. They can be used, for example, to combat tumours that are particularly difficult to treat and do not respond to other types of radiation. MedAustron is the sixth centre worldwide that can use both types of particles for therapy. Its technology branch TecAustron also serves as a provider of multi-ion facilities.
