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Tom · 10-09-2006, 01:01 AM

SkiBunny,

Proton accelerators are used in much the same way as the linear accelerators that are now used for radiation therapy for many tumor types. Protons deposit only a minimal amount of energy as they travel through the body. As they slow down, the amount of energy they deposit gradually increases. When their speed drops below a certain limit (the "Bragg peak"), the protons suddenly transfer all their remaining energy within less than a centimeter.

By varying the initial energy of the proton beam, radiation oncologists can determine how deep the beam penetrates before depositing most of its energy. Using computer simulations, they can adjust the maximum reach of the protons to within a millimeter, thereby sparing all the tissue beyond the tumor. This makes proton beams an excellent choice for treating tumors located next to sensitive organs, brain stems, spinal columns or eye nerves.

10-09-2006, 01:01 AM	#8
Tom Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 290	Proton accelerator benefits SkiBunny, Proton accelerators are used in much the same way as the linear accelerators that are now used for radiation therapy for many tumor types. Protons deposit only a minimal amount of energy as they travel through the body. As they slow down, the amount of energy they deposit gradually increases. When their speed drops below a certain limit (the "Bragg peak"), the protons suddenly transfer all their remaining energy within less than a centimeter. By varying the initial energy of the proton beam, radiation oncologists can determine how deep the beam penetrates before depositing most of its energy. Using computer simulations, they can adjust the maximum reach of the protons to within a millimeter, thereby sparing all the tissue beyond the tumor. This makes proton beams an excellent choice for treating tumors located next to sensitive organs, brain stems, spinal columns or eye nerves.