Friday 12 April, 11.00h, at Nikhef in H331.
Speaker: Joris Hartman (UMC Utrecht)
Title: “Proton Therapy”
Abstract:
Proton therapy is a form of treatment in radiotherapy to treat malignant tumors, where protons are used to deliver a radiation dose to the target. Proton therapy promises more precise and targeted treatment options, based on the interactions of protons with tissue. In particular, the existence of a Bragg peak allows for the delivery of a high dose in a small volume, while sparing surrounding tissue. Because of these properties, proton therapy is gaining popularity in the recent years, especially in the Netherlands. Several institutes have started clinical proton therapy treatment or are planning to do so. Even though it has been in clinical use since the 50s, the delivery of proton therapy still poses many challenges.
In this talk I will give an overview of proton therapy: what is the rationale, how are the protons delivered and what are the developments in field. What is proton therapy and why is its use increasing? Does proton therapy live up to its promises? How is proton therapy delivered? The techniques to generate the protons, but also the planning and delivery to the target will be discussed. What are the problems that (still) have to be solved to increase the benfits of proton therapy? Finally, I will elaborate on some of the current technical developments in proton therapy. This includes the increasing focus on imaging and ion therapy.