The War on Cancer Relies on Proton Therapy

The tech is the most advanced form of radiation, delivering a targeted energy beam to tumors while sparing healthy tissue surrounding the site.

Allysia Finley offers an encouraging report on how “Technology Is Making the War on Cancer Winnable” (Life Science, Nov. 17). Another advance, proton therapy, deserves to be on the list.

Representational image. (Unsplash)

This tech, first used in the 1950s, is now the most advanced form of radiation, delivering a targeted energy beam to tumors while sparing healthy tissue surrounding the site. The treatment is especially vital for complex tumors and re-irradiation cases. It is considered the standard of care for children owing to its ability to spare healthy tissue and minimize long-term side effects.

Recent studies also indicate significant increases in survival rates for patients who receive proton therapy for head, neck and certain brain tumors. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary raised the issue in May, noting that the “United States is the best in the world when it comes to proton beam therapy.”

As we continue to shift the balance in our war on cancer, less toxic treatments like proton therapy are essential for allowing patients to flourish.

Jennifer Maggiore

National Assoc. for Proton Therapy

Jacksonville, Fla.