Researchers share insights on the evolution of proton radiotherapy

In a review article published in The Lancet Oncology, Susu Yan, Ph.D., and Thomas Bortfeld, Ph.D., from the Biophysics Division of MGH's Department of Radiation Oncology, and co-authors describe the evolution of proton therapy and its benefits to patients and society.

While many new centers have begun providing proton radiotherapy, demand continues to outpace supply and there are critical gaps in access to care—currently, there are no centers in the African continent and only one center in development in South America.

In their review article, the authors describe several developments that could help make care more accessible, including decreasing the size of the necessary machinery to fit into a conventional treatment room and improving the efficiency of treatment. They also describe some of the advancements in proton therapy that have helped improve the lives of patients, including advancements made at Mass General Cancer Center.

"Research and development over the past few decades have transformed proton therapy from an extremely rare treatment method to a more common one, although still quite rare," the authors wrote. "Combining the technological advances with efforts to engage hospitals, academia, industry, regulatory bodies, and funding agencies can make the global democratization of proton therapy a reality."