OncoLink Proton Education Modules
Articles written for healthcare providers covering the physics and radiobiology behind protons, use cases, simulation and treatment planning.
Module 1: An Introduction to Proton Therapy
A look at the history behind proton therapy and how it works.
The Physics of Proton Therapy
In this article, we will look at the physical properties of the proton beam and how this affects dose distribution.
Proton Therapy Delivery: The Equipment
A look at the many parts needed to create the proton beam and administer proton therapy treatments.
Module 4: Radiobiology and Radiation Safety
A look at the biology of radiation and occupational safety considerations.
Module 5: Proton Therapy for Gastrointestinal Cancers: Review of the Evidence
The goal of this module is to review the dosimetric and clinical evidence around proton beam therapy (PBT) for esophageal, pancreatic, and anal cancers.
Module 6: Protons for Prostate Cancer: A Review of the Evidence
Proton beam therapy holds some theoretical advantages over traditional radiation treatments for prostate cancer.
Module 7: Clinical Outcomes by Disease Site - The Use of Proton Therapy in the Treatment of Cancers of Central Nervous System
Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) exhibit a wide range of clinical behavior, from asymptomatic benign meningiomas to high-grade glioblastomas, with a role for radiation in the management of many CNS tumors.
Module 8: Clinical Outcomes by Disease Site - The Use of Proton Therapy in the Treatment of Cancers of the Lung
Proton therapy is showing early promise in the treatment of locally-advanced non small-cell lung cancer, and likely is useful in the retreatment setting and in certain early stage patients as well.
Module 9: Clinical Outcomes by Disease Site - The Use of Proton Therapy in the Treatment of Cancers of the Connective Tissues and Bone
An overarching theme among sarcoma treatment and one of the rationales for applying proton therapy to their treatment is their empirical radio-resistance relative to some other tumor types.
Module 10: Clinical Outcomes by Disease Site - The Use of Proton Therapy in the Treatment of Cancers of the Head and Neck
The development and implementation of intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) represents a significant advance in proton radiation for head and neck cancer.
Module 11: Clinical Outcomes by Disease Site - Tumor Control and Retreatment with Proton Therapy
Module 12: Simulation, Positioning, Verification and Immobilization
While simulations for proton therapy are similar to photon-based simulations, there are a number of factors which require special consideration.
Module 13: Treatment Volumes and Treatment Planning in Proton Therapy
An introduction to treatment planning in proton therapy.
Module 14: Pediatric Proton Therapy
The treatment of childhood tumors is an area where proton therapy may significantly reduce the acute and long-term complications associated with conventional radiation therapy.