Re-irradiation

Proton beam
re-irradiation

Re-irradiation of recurrence within the radiation field after radiation therapy has been difficult, and other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy were generally chosen. This is because, regardless of the radiation therapy used, normal tissue around the tumor is also irradiated causing greater damage due to re-irradiation.

Proton beams have a Bragg peak, making it possible to administer a high dose to the tumor while minimizing damage to the surrounding normal tissue. As a result, it has become possible to re-irradiate with proton beams in cases of recurrence after radiation therapy. The American Society for Radiation Oncology also lists re-irradiation after radiation therapy as one of the diseases suitable for proton beam therapy. There are an increasing number of cases in which proton beam therapy can be used despite the recurrence.