In the last few decades, proton radiation therapy has transitioned from research laboratories into the clinics. Today there are currently more than 100 proton therapy facilities worldwide
Indications
In the last few decades, proton radiation therapy has transitioned from research laboratories into the clinics. There are currently more than 100 proton therapy facilities worldwide, and the number is rapidly rising. With increased accuracy and precision, proton radiation therapy will become a standard treatment option for an increased number of cancer indications.
Several proton facilities have opened in Europe; in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Denmark and Sweden and there are two additional centres under construction in Norway; Oslo, and Bergen. In Asia the number of proton therapy centres is rapidly increasing.
Clinical
Proton therapy is widely accepted as the preferred radiation modality in e.g. paediatric cancers, particularly in tumours located at the base of the skull and spine, or in cancer close to critical parts of the body as e.g. lung cancer.