Proton beam therapy

• Proton beam therapy is a type of radiation treatment that uses protons rather than X-rays (photons) to treat tumours.
• Proton beam therapy is a precise treatment. A dose of high-energy protons is targeted directly at the tumour, reducing the radiation given to surrounding healthy tissues and vital organs.
• Proton beam therapy is not suitable for everyone. It is only suitable for a small number of people with specific types of tumours. 

PBT is not currently available in Ireland. If your doctor recommends PBT, you will need to travel abroad to receive it. You can read or download a leaflet about PBT below. 

Generally, proton beam therapy causes fewer side-effects compared to standard X-ray radiotherapy because it affects fewer healthy cells surrounding the tumour.

The side-effects of proton beam therapy vary, depending on:

• The area being treated
• The total dose of radiation
• Other health conditions

Side-effects can develop during treatment, immediately after, or even months to years later. Often side-effects improve 4-6 weeks after treatment ends.