Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is a type of radiotherapy that targets tumours with high-energy, positively-charged particles (protons). It is a more precise alternative to X-ray (photon) radiation therapy, which is more commonly used to treat cancers.

The precise nature of proton therapy, with the ability to target cancer cells at a specific depth inside the patient, means there is less radiation delivered to healthy tissue surrounding the tumour. This can result in fewer side-effects for the person being treated. It also makes proton therapy a safer treatment option for children and adolescents since their rapidly growing and developing cells are more susceptible to damage from the radiation.

SAHMRI is a partner involved in the development of The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research which is to house the nation’s first proton synchrotron and first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. This project has been delayed  however all partners remain committed to bringing proton therapy to Australia.