This blog post may clear up how well PBT works which is very well.
www.integrativeoncology-essentials.com/ioeblog/?p=246I'd like to draw attention to the posters comments:
"It is incumbent on proton therapy researchers and clinicians to demonstrate the superiority of PBT over existing, less costly technologies. Efficacy data will need to prove that PBT is either more effective (i.e. better tumor control), reduces toxicity (complications and side effects) and/or improves patient-reported quality of life. I am a strong believer that high-quality studies will eventually support these findings for many cancers.
Do I believe that PBT is the best radiation treatment technology for all cancers? No. Having been fortunate enough to train at Harvard, where we had access to PBT and many other technologies, I know the advantages (there are many) and present-day limitations for this incredible modality. There will always be a role for the less fancy (and less costly) radiation therapy options (i.e. brachytherapy, x-ray and electron-based radiation therapy, etc.), as these alternatives are readily accessible to most patients and they are supported by a long track record of efficacy and safety."
This gentleman treats prostate cancer with seeds and/or IGRT radiation. But he was the chief resident at the Harvard Radiation Center at Mass. General. His insight is excellent and he likes the technology.
I hope this helps others who did not choose this method understand how it works and how it has a unique place in radiation therapy.
Tony