05/11/2025
The Radiation Difference That Could Change Your Treatment
If you or a loved one are exploring cancer treatments, this is the one question you must ask your oncologist:
What is the difference?
Traditional Photon Radiation (X-Rays): Photons enter the body, hit the tumour, and then keep going, exiting the body and depositing a small dose of radiation in the healthy organs and tissue on the other side. This is called the “exit dose.”
Proton Beam Therapy (PBT): Protons are physical particles that can be precisely controlled. Using a phenomenon called the Bragg Peak, the beam delivers its maximum, tumour-killing energy and then stops completely—eliminating the exit dose entirely.
The Bottom Line (Why Precision Matters):
* For Cancers Near Critical Structures: PBT is crucial for tumours near the heart, spine, brain, or eyes, where avoiding the exit dose can drastically reduce long-term side effects.
* For Re-Treatment: Allows doctors to safely re-treat a recurrent tumour by minimising the total lifetime radiation dose to surrounding tissue.
At Proton International London, our Patient Enquiry Specialists are here to answer every question you may have about proton beam therapy, from how it works to whether it could be suitable for you or a loved one.
Call us on 020 4629 3598
Monday to Friday, 9am–10pm (GMT)
By calling, our team can begin your enquiry straight away — giving you answers and guidance when you need them most.
You’ll speak directly with a knowledgeable, supportive member of our team, specialists in proton therapy, who can guide you through your options with care and clarity.
