Radiotherapy is a crucial tool in cancer treatment, using ionizing radiation to damage the DNA of tumor cells and ultimately destroy them. While it is highly effective, the challenge lies in targeting the tumor without harming surrounding healthy tissue, which can lead to side effects. Proton therapy (PT), due to its unique physical properties, allows for highly targeted radiation delivery, making it particularly useful for treating tumors close to critical structures.
Despite its precision, changes in a patient’s anatomy during the weeks of treatment, such as tumor shrinkage or weight changes, can affect the accuracy of the radiation dose. Traditional PT plans do not account for these changes, potentially leaving parts of the tumor untreated. To address this, Daily Online Adaptive Proton Therapy (DAPT) has emerged as a solution.
DAPT adjusts the treatment plan daily, based on an imaging that reflects changes in the patient’s anatomy. The daily adaptation improves target coverage, minimizes radiation to healthy tissue, and reduces the uncertainties associated with traditional delivery methods.
This presentation will explore the evolution of DAPT from early research to its first clinical implementations, highlighting the potential to improve outcomes for cancer patients.
