La protonterapia: indicaciones y perspectivas

Protons have considerable targeting advantages in the conduct of precise conformational radiotherapy, enabling dose escalation and a better protection of critical organs. Protons differs from photons and electrons used in classical radiotherapy due to their specific physical characteristics, Bragg peak and narrow lateral penumbra. Currently, treatment of ocular melanoma, chordoma and chondrosarcoma of the base of skull and paediatric tumours are widely accepted. Others clinical indications are still being evaluated (meningioma, etc.). Generalised isocentric application and proton intensity modulation can increase the clinical indications for its use. It is a technique which, despite its current expansion, appears “restricted” because of the scarcity of equipments due to its high cost.