Course Description
Patients with cancer have traditionally been treated with external-beam radiation therapy, which is most often performed with photons. Using protons to treat patients with cancer began in the 1930s using physics research center cyclotrons. As technology and interest in proton treatments advanced, proton centers were built worldwide, which allowed more studies to be conducted and more patients to be treated. While interest in using proton therapy for a variety of cancer treatments varies, the primary advantage is being able to deliver very targeted treatment without the risk of damaging healthy tissue. The physics and dosimetry of proton beam therapy allow for both an increased cure rate and significantly less side effects. This course will review quality assurance measures, treatment strategies, and studies in proton treatment for patients with central nervous system tumors, head and neck cancers, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and esophageal and lung cancer; a discussion about proton therapy for pediatric patients is included as well. A brief review of proton therapy physics, radiobiology, and safety considerations will be given as well as an overview of the development of and current technologies.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• RECALL the history of proton facilities, devices, and treatments.
• ANALYZE the physical characteristics of protons versus external-beam radiation therapy.
• ASSESS the radiobiological effects of proton-beam therapy on patients.
• EXPLAIN the rationale for using proton-beam therapy to treat various abnormalities and malignancies.
• SUMMARIZE the role of proton-beam therapy for treating patients with a variety of cancers including cancers of the central nervous system, the prostate, the liver, the mediastinum, pediatric cancers, and other malignancies.
• IDENTIFY and ASSESS the challenges of proton-beam therapy.

Categories: Radiation Therapy & Treatment

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly to receive CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.25 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits). 

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.