Proton Therapy
Proton beams and photon beams are used to deliver external –beam radiation therapy. Protons are charged particles. The manner in which photons deposit energy in living tissues is different for proton beams from photon beams. Protons deposit greater part of their energy at the end of their path, known as Bragg peak, whereas photons deposit energy in the form of small packets all along their path through tissue. Use of protons ideally should reduce exposure to radiation for the normal tissues thereby allowing higher doses of radiation to be given to a tumor. Clinical trials have not yet been conducted to compare proton therapy with standard external-beam radiation therapy.
Other charged particle beam
Superficial tumors namely skin cancer or tumors close to the surface of the body, are irradiated with electron beams. The electron beams cannot travel too far through tissue. So deep placed tumors cannot be treated with electron beams.
Patients can consult their doctors on the different radiation therapy available to find out if any can be applied for their type of cancer and on whether it is available in their community or through clinical trial.