Szénionterápia

Szénionterápia, often translated as carbon ion therapy, is an advanced form of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment. It utilizes high-energy beams of carbon ions to precisely target and destroy cancerous cells. Unlike conventional radiation therapy that uses photons (X-rays or gamma rays), carbon ions possess unique physical and biological properties that make them particularly effective against certain types of tumors.

The primary advantage of carbon ion therapy lies in its physical characteristics. Carbon ions deposit most of their energy at a specific depth within the body, known as the Bragg peak. This allows for a highly conformal dose distribution, meaning the radiation can be precisely delivered to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. This is in contrast to photons, which deposit energy along their entire path, leading to a broader area of exposure.

Biologically, carbon ions are more effective at killing cancer cells, especially those that are resistant to conventional radiation. They cause a higher number of complex DNA double-strand breaks, which are more difficult for cancer cells to repair. This increased radiobiological effectiveness makes carbon ion therapy a powerful tool for treating aggressive or radioresistant tumors.

Carbon ion therapy is typically used for specific types of cancer, including bone and soft tissue sarcomas, head and neck cancers, and certain types of lung and prostate cancers. It is a complex and resource-intensive treatment, and its availability is currently limited to specialized centers worldwide. Research continues to explore its potential applications for a wider range of malignancies and to further optimize treatment protocols.