In order to provide a good follow-up, the first stage will start with the treatment of intracranial tumours. In a second stage more complex treatments, such as craniospinal radiation, will be possible In a third stage treatment of tumours in other locations will follow. The start of the second and third stage will be announced here as soon as the date has been set.
About proton therapy
Radiotherapy (radiation therapy) takes an important place in the treatment of cancer patients. About 40 to 50% of all patients with cancer are treated with radiotherapy at some point during their course of treatment, either as monotherapy or either in combination with chemotherapy and/or targeted drugs. The majority of patients receiving radiotherapy is being treated with curative intention. However, radiation therapy also plays an important role in the alleviation of complaints in a palliative setting.
There are different techniques for radiation therapy. Based on the type of tumour, the size and form, the localisation and the position in relation to the surrounding healthy tissue, the most optimal radiation technique is chosen. The objective is always to administer the maximum radiation dose to the tumour and to limit the exposure to healty tissue as much as possible. Despite the great progress in radiotherapy over the past years, in specific situations (i.e. in young patients or for tumours located close to very sensitive structures) it still remains difficult to completely spare healthy tissue surrounding the tumour with conventional radiotherapy. In selected cases, proton therapy can offer a solution as it reduces the radiation damage to healthy tissue when using an equal tumour dosis.
Do you want to know more? Surf to website van het RIZIV over hadrontherapie.
