Proton Therapy in Canada: Toward Universal Access and Health Equity With a Publicly Funded Facility
Amir H. Safavi, Carolyn Freeman, Sylvia Cheng, Samir Patel, Gunita Mitera, Vijayananda Kundapur, Rob Rutledge, Derek S. Tsang
Abstract
Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a form of external beam radiation therapy that provides dosimetric and clinical advantages over photon therapy for treating some children and adults with benign or malignant tumors.1 The physical properties of proton beam distribution allow for both delivery of the prescribed dose at the end of the beam range within the tumor target as well as near-zero exit dose, thereby reducing the volume of irradiated normal tissues. Clinical evidence indicates that PBT is at least as isoeffective in tumor control as photon radiation therapy, but with potential reduction in long-term toxicities.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineEquity (law)Health equityProton therapyFamily medicineNursingInternal medicinePublic healthLawPolitical scienceRadiation therapyRadiation Therapy and DosimetryChildhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of LifeAdvances in Oncology and Radiotherapy