Pencil-beam scanning
Pencil-beam scanning is a type of proton therapy that uses a high-energy beam of protons in a form of radiation therapy to irradiate tissue for the treatment of cancer. The beam is so named because it is narrow, like a pencil, and scans back and forth across each layer of a tumor's thickness to deliver the dose of radiation.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Pencil-beam scanning is a more advanced form of proton therapy that can treat tumors with even greater precision than is possible with x-ray radiation therapy. This is because the beam can be controlled to match the shape and depth of the tumor, minimizing damage to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor.
Technique[edit | edit source]
The technique involves the use of a machine called a synchrotron or cyclotron to accelerate protons to high energies. The protons are then directed at the tumor using a magnetic field. The beam is modulated to deliver a uniform dose of radiation to the entire tumor.
Advantages[edit | edit source]
The main advantage of pencil-beam scanning is its ability to deliver a precise dose of radiation to a tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This is particularly important in treating tumors located near critical structures such as the brain, spinal cord, and heart.
Limitations[edit | edit source]
While pencil-beam scanning offers many advantages, it also has some limitations. For example, the technique requires a high level of expertise to plan and deliver the treatment. In addition, not all tumors are suitable for treatment with pencil-beam scanning.
See also[edit | edit source]
Pencil-beam scanning Resources | ||
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