Proton Beam Therapy is an an advanced form of radiation therapy that uses high-energy protons to precisely target cancerous tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
It is highly effective for treating tumours in sensitive areas (e.g., Central Nervous System, prostate, head and neck and paediatric cancers). By reducing exposure of healthy tissues to radiation it causes fewer side effects and thus an improved quality of life.
Delivery of the therapy itself is usually painless, and the therapy itself takes just a few minutes, though preparation time is longer.
Apollo Hospitals recently signed a partnership with Ion Beam Applications (IBA), Belgium, to introduce the Proteus One system in India. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd first introduced Proton Therapy to India in 2019 at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, making it the first and only such facility in South Asia and the Middle East. The new system will be placed in Hyderabad.
The new system uses DynamicARC which allows simultaneous beam delivery to the tumour from multiple directions, enhancing the targeting of the diseased tissue while sparing healthy tissue. This allows for faster, sharper and simpler treatment. It is, however, subject to statutory approvals.
The global burden of cancer is projected to increase to 21.4 million cases by 2030.
As per a study in Lancet Regional Health in terms of absolute number of cancer patients, India comes third behind China and the US. The country contributes 7.5 per cent of all new cancer cases and this is expected to grow to 1.5 million this year. The same study also points out that approximately three of five Indians diagnosed with cancer succumb to it.
The countries with access to proton therapy are: the US, Europe, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Thailand. Australia is building a facility that is expected to open in 2025.
Dr Preetha Reddy, executive vice chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said that the introduction of the Proteus One system marked a significant leap towards personalised, precise, and highly effective treatment for cancer patients.
