On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the much-awaited proton beam therapy facility at the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in Kharghar. Tata Memorial Centre director Dr Rajendra Badwe revealed that the facility, the first in a public setup in India, will provide cutting-edge proton beam treatment for free to 60% of the patients needing it.

He added that starting next week, the treatment will be offered to the children first. However, he also added that studies will be carried out along with the treatment to determine the effect of the proton beam on various adult cancers. In standard radiation therapy, X-rays (photons) are used to deliver radiation. But in most cases, they also affect the surrounding healthy tissues at the cancer site. On the other hand, high-energy protons can deliver their energy to a particular point, thereby reducing the risk of side effects. Thus, it is a safer option for children.

Several doctors from the TMC stated that there are 39 proton centers across the world. They revealed that there is clinical evidence that proton therapy is suitable for cancers of the breast, oesophagus, gastrointestinal tract, gynecological, head and neck, liver, lung, pancreas, prostate, spine, soft tissue, lymphoma, etc.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sudeep Gupta, director of the Kharghar facility, explained that all types of cancer do not require proton beam therapy. He explained that several studies are underway in many countries to determine whether proton radiation is superior to standard radiation therapy. He also noted that only between 10% and 15% of cancer patients in India will benefit from proton therapy.

Talking about the facility, Dr. Badwe stated that it consisted of three gantry machines. He explained that a gantry is a proton treatment room that rotates around the patient, delivering the beam to the tumor from the best angles. He stated that with the presence of three gantries, the time of treatment between the two patients, which can stretch to 30 minutes at times, can be greatly reduced. 

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/proton-therapy-comes-to-public-sector-now/articleshowprint/100170974.cms?val=3728 )