Proton therapy as a safer cancer treatment alternative

For over a century, radiation therapy has been a cornerstone in cancer treatment. Now, physicists from the Radiation Detector and Imaging group at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, in collaboration with the Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute (HUPCI), are exploring ways to enhance radiation therapy methods. Their efforts include assessing whether accelerator-based proton therapy could replace treatments using radioactive sources like cobalt-60.   

Cameron Clarke, a Jefferson Lab staff scientist, leads the study alongside colleagues Michael Dion and Eric Christy. “As an early-career scientist who has just joined the lab as a staff member working explicitly to further the BRIC initiative, I am very excited to have received this green light from the DOE.“ Clarke said.

External beam radiotherapy uses radiation to target internal organs through X-rays, gamma rays, or particle beams like protons. Proton therapy offers several benefits:   

• Precise Targeting: Proton beams can be finely controlled, depositing energy directly into tumors while sparing surrounding tissues. 

• Enhanced Safety: The therapy's ability to power the radiation source on and off quickly reduces potential radiation hazards. 

• Specialized Applications: It is especially suitable for treating tumors near sensitive tissues such as the brain or prostate, and for pediatric cancer care.   

Despite its benefits, proton therapy is costly and requires significant infrastructure, including particle accelerators, radiation shielding, and complex beam delivery systems. In contrast, radioisotope-based radiotherapy needs only a compact clinical setup.   

The study, funded by the DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security (ORS), will run through fiscal year 2025. The ORS promotes safer alternatives to radioactive isotope-based devices to mitigate long-term radiological risks. Clarke and his team will evaluate current technologies and clinical challenges in replacing traditional radiotherapy. They will also acquire a computer treatment planning system to simulate treatment scenarios, bridging the gap between nuclear physics research and medical treatment professionals.   

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility