Central Japan
About Cancer Treatment
Surgery, Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy (cancer drugs) are considered 3 pillars of cancer treatment. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ treatment approach for cancer. Many cancer treatments exist. The evidence-based guidelines suggest that you may receive one treatment or you may receive a combination of treatments depending on your particular situation.
How does Proton Therapy Work
Under the umbrella of radiation therapy, there are several different sub-types. Proton therapy is one of those sub-types. Protons are separated from hydrogen atoms and sped up in a particle accelerator. The highly energetic, ionized proton is then ejected directly towards the tumor. In traditional radiation therapy, X-ray or gamma ray particles (photons) are ejected. On the other hand, the unique physical properties of proton therapy is capable of "Once the proton beam reaches the tumor, it conforms to its shape and depth, and only then releases its full energy right at the point of the tumor as it reaches its intended destinations". With pencil beam scanning technology, we know exactly how to control the beam position, shape and depth, with unmatched precise deposition of radiation in all three dimensions of tumor.
How is Proton Therapy Different from Traditional Radiation Therapy
While traditional radiation therapy affects everything in its path, the unique physical properties of proton therapy allow protons to release and deposit maximum radiation dose right at the point of the tumor then stops. The advantages of proton therapy are their ability to precisely target complex shaped tumors while minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues and organs.
Traditional Radiation Therapy
Deposits energy along their paths before and after it reaches the tumor, thus delivering radiation to surrounding healthy tissues and organs.
Proton (Particle Beam) Therapy
Capable of delivering radiation where it needs to go and stops, avoiding damage to nearby organs and healthy tissues.
Proton Therapy at our Facility
(Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy)
The new proton therapy center houses " ProBeam® 360°" proton therapy system manufactured by US based Varian Medical Systems Inc. which is capable of treating the tumor from 360 degrees (3-dimentional irradiation). With Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (pencil beam scanning technology), proton beam delivered with pencil-beam technology allows doctors to tune the beam to a specific range, as well as adjust the intensity of the beam to achieve the desired dose distribution including position and depth, with unmatched precise deposition of radiation delivery in all three dimensions of the tumor as the bed moves around freely.
Manufactured by US based Varian Medical Systems Inc.
ProBeam360°
Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy(Pencil beam scanning technology)
Only 4 millimeters wide, pencil beam scanning can be customized to target a patient’s unique tumor size and shape.
