Proton-Beam Therapy for Cancer gets renewed attention

Ion Beam Applications SA, the Belgian company that leads the global market for huge proton-beam machines, is selling so many systems lately that it needs to boost its 1,200-strong workforce by 400 workers. It launched a big recruitment drive across the country this year, featuring radio and newspaper spots along with dozens of billboards and posters. A breakthrough in 2012 by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania also helped spur demand for the technology, IBA’s Mr. Legrain said. The researchers used a technique known as pencil-beam scanning, which programs the proton so that it fills the three-dimensional shape of the tumor. Previously, radiation oncologists used a less precise method to direct the beam toward the roughly two-dimensional outline of the tumor.
A 2013 study estimated that for prostate cancer patients, proton therapy cost $32,428 per treatment, versus $18,575 for traditional radiotherapy. But advocates believe proton therapy could prove less expensive than traditional radiotherapy in the long term by cutting costs for treatment of side effects from traditional radiotherapy.