| Theme |
Radiotherapy for Cancers of Digestive Organs |
| Title |
Proton Beam Therapy for Cancers of Digestive Organs |
| Author |
Yasuyuki Akine |
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tsukuba |
| Author |
Koichi Tokuuye |
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tsukuba |
| Author |
Shinji Sugahara |
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tsukuba |
| Author |
Masaharu Hata |
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tsukuba |
| Author |
Nobuyoshi Fukumitsu |
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tsukuba |
| Author |
Takayuki Hashimoto |
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tsukuba |
| [ Summary ] |
Proton beam therapy is a new mode of radiotherapy with excellent dose-localization characteristics due to the Bragg's peak effect with proton beams. Because of the better dose distribution characteristics, a larger radiation dose may be delivered to the tumor, which may result in better local control. We have treated more than 450 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma using proton beam therapy. Clinical results were at least comparable with best surgical series. Proton beam therapy may be repeatedly given to patients with hepatoma. Patients with portal vein tumor thrombus are possible candidates for proton beam therapy. We have also treated more than 70 patients having esophageal carcinoma with proton beam therapy. The clinical results were comparable to those of the best surgical series. Proton beam therapy is easy for patients to receive because of less acute sequelae and reduced invasiveness. This treatment will be more extensively used in the treatment of other cancers in the near future. |