Cynthia Keppel,
HUPTI Scientific and Technical Director
Proton therapy is a precise form of radiation treatment for cancer.
Due to the characteristic Bragg peak associated with ion energy
deposition, proton therapy provides the radiation oncologist with an
improved method of treatment localization within a patient, as
compared with conventional radiation therapy using X-rays or
electrons. Controlling disease and minimizing side effects are the
twin aims of radiation treatment. Proton beams enhance the opportunity
for both by facilitating maximal dose to tumor and minimal dose to
surrounding tissue. This can be accomplished only in concert with
advances in tumor identification and localization, patient motion and
positioning, treatment planning and evaluation, and a host of
supporting technologies. In the United States, six proton radiotherapy
centers currently treat cancer patients, with a few more in the
construction phase. Efforts to develop new facilities and enabling
technologies abound. An overview of the treatment modality generally,
as well as some of the capabilities and research planned for the
field, and for the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute in
particular, will be presented.
Friday, November 20th at 4:00 PM
Room L211, Technological Institute
Refreshments are served at 3:30 PM
