Proton Therapy |
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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. |
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Proton radiation stops at the tumor, leaving the healthy cells beyond it unaffected. |
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The proton beam can be contoured to the exact shape of the tumor, further decreasing radiation exposure and limiting side effects. |
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Proton therapy is particularly effective for localized cancers, cancers near vital organs, and pediatric cancers. |
Traditional Radiation Therapy |
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Radiation affects everything in its path, so physicians often limit the dose to minimize damage to critical organs. |
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X-rays continue to pass through the body after reaching the tumor, affecting the healthy cells beyond it. |
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X-ray radiation therapy is often used for cancers that have spread beyond the initial tumor site. |
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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. |
