This is Episode 21, Part A: Advanced Modalities - Particle Therapy.In our previous episodes, we've explored the radiobiology of conventional photon therapy, including fractionation and dose rate effects, and we've touched on brachytherapy. Today, we're venturing into the realm of particle therapy, focusing on charged particles like protons and heavier ions, particularly carbon ions. These modalities offer distinct physical and biological properties compared to photons. The main allure is their unique way of depositing dose, characterized by the Bragg peak, which promises better targeting of tumors and sparing of normal tissues. We'll dissect the advantages of this dose distribution, delve into concepts like Linear Energy Transfer (LET) and Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) as they apply to these particles, and explore the phenomenon of nuclear fragmentation. Finally, we’ll compare the potential benefits and challenges of proton versus carbon ion therapy.
