hadrontherapy

Hadrontherapy is a type of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. It utilizes beams of heavy charged particles, primarily protons or carbon ions, to deliver radiation to tumors. Unlike conventional photon radiotherapy, which uses X-rays, hadrontherapy offers a more precise delivery of radiation dose.

The key advantage of hadrontherapy lies in the physical properties of charged particles. As they travel through tissue, they deposit most of their energy at a specific depth and then stop, a phenomenon known as the Bragg peak. This allows for a highly conformal radiation dose to be delivered to the tumor while significantly sparing surrounding healthy tissues. This precision is particularly beneficial for tumors located near critical organs or structures, where minimizing radiation exposure is paramount.

The development of hadrontherapy began in the mid-20th century, with the first clinical applications emerging in the latter half of the century. While proton therapy has become more widespread, carbon ion therapy, which utilizes carbon nuclei, offers even greater biological effectiveness and Bragg peak precision due to the increased mass and charge of the particles.

The treatment process involves precise planning using advanced imaging techniques to delineate the tumor and surrounding healthy tissues. Patients undergo multiple treatment sessions, typically daily, over a period of several weeks. While hadrontherapy generally has a favorable side effect profile compared to conventional radiotherapy, some side effects can still occur depending on the location and size of the treated tumor. The cost and availability of hadrontherapy facilities remain considerations in its wider adoption.