Teilchenradiotherapie

Teilchenradiotherapie, also known as particle beam therapy or particle therapy, is an advanced form of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment. Unlike conventional X-ray therapy, which uses photons, Teilchenradiotherapie utilizes charged particles, most commonly protons or carbon ions, to target and destroy cancerous cells. This method offers a significant advantage in its ability to precisely deposit the majority of its energy at a specific depth within the body, known as the Bragg peak.

The Bragg peak allows for a highly conformal dose distribution, meaning the radiation dose is concentrated on the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. This precision can lead to fewer side effects compared to traditional radiotherapy. The depth of the Bragg peak can be carefully controlled by adjusting the energy of the particle beam, enabling treatment of tumors located deep within the body with greater accuracy.

Proton therapy is the most common form of Teilchenradiotherapie. Carbon ion therapy, while less widespread, offers even greater biological effectiveness, making it particularly suitable for certain types of radioresistant tumors. The development and application of Teilchenradiotherapie represent a significant advancement in the field of radiation oncology, offering a more targeted and potentially less toxic approach to cancer treatment for a select group of patients. Its use is typically reserved for specific cancer types or locations where its advantages over conventional radiotherapy are most pronounced.