Particle therapy trumps photon aka x-ray or gamma ray because it deposits the energy more precisely using "Bragg's peak". Photons kill the patient because they cause secondary cancers. Hydrogen (Proton) and even better carbon (The Japanese have 2 facilities using carbon as I write this) have MORE mass and are better at damaging BOTH strains of tumor DNA. Proton therapy has been used since 1990 & was FDA approved 2002. Now will the DOD/VA and NIH/NCI start using it? See CPRT for newer system.
Particle therapy trumps photon aka x-ray or gamma ray because it deposits the energy more precisely using "Bragg's peak". Photons kill the patient because they cause secondary cancers. Hydrogen (Proton) and even better carbon (The Japanese have 2 facilities using carbon as I write this) have MORE mass and are better at damaging BOTH strains of tumor DNA. Proton therapy has been used since 1990 & was FDA approved 2002. Now will the DOD/VA and NIH/NCI start using it? See CPRT for newer system.
bgordski 1 year ago