A: Atoms make up all types of matter, including our human bodies. Every atom is made up of nucleus at the center and surrounding electrons. The nucleus is made up of two-types of particles, protons and neutrons. In proton therapy, protons (hydrogen nuclei) are accelerated by an accelerator, called cyclotron, to a very high speed (approximately, 60% speed of light) and used to treat cancer.

A: High energy X-rays are used to treat cancer in traditional radiotherapy. The X-rays go through the tissue affecting both healthy and tumor areas along the path of X-rays. The normal tissue in front of the tumor usually gets more radiation than does the tumor from X-rays. Protons, on the other hand, deposit most of their energy within the tumor and then stop right after passing through the tumor. Therefore, protons deliver no radiation to the healthy tissue behind the tumor. At the same time, protons deliver less radiation to the healthy tissue in front of the tumor compared with X-rays. Radiation oncologists (medical doctors specialized on radiation treatment) are able to focus the energy of the protons within a tumor causing little to no damage to healthy tissue.

A: Robert R. Wilson was the first to suggest using protons for cancer treatment. The first trials were conducted at a nuclear physics laboratory in the 1950s, and in 1991 the Loma Linda University Medical Center in California became the first hospital to offer proton therapy. Today, about 30 medical facilities around the world offer proton therapy.

A: When protons reach the tumor, the protons release their energy, damaging the DNA of cancer cells within the tumor. Thereafter those cells with DNA damages are no longer able to divide causing the cells to break down.

A: Absolutely not. The actual period of radiation during each treatment only 2-5 minutes. Patients feel no pain or discomfort during treatment. Proton therapy does not cause patients to become radioactive.

A: Patients who are treated with proton therapy have fewer side effects than those treated with traditional radiotherapy. The risk of side-effects depends on a patient's age, medical history, and size and location of their cancer. Common problems include temporary hair loss, skin redness and fatigue. Patients should discuss this issue in detail with their physicians.