India’s healthcare landscape has traditionally been characterized by limited access to advanced treatment methods, especially in the field of oncology. The absence of government facilities offering Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) for cancer treatment underscores this reality. Although PBT has proven to be an effective alternative to radiation, particularly in handling solid tumours and head and neck cancers, its unavailability remains a pressing challenge.
Understanding Proton Beam Therapy
Proton Beam Therapy is one of the cutting-edge therapies in cancer treatment, designed to eliminate cancer cells by deploying a high-energy beam of protons. Every atomic nucleus consists of protons, which are positively charged elementary particles. Unlike conventional radiation therapy that utilises X-rays, PBT allows for precise targeting of the tumour, thereby significantly reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissues around it.
A sophisticated machine termed a cyclotron facilitates PBT. This large device accelerates protons to high speeds before delivering them to the tumour site, producing an enhanced focus on the affected area while sparing non-cancerous tissues.
Challenges with Proton Beam Therapy
Establishing a PBT centre implies overcoming a multitude of infrastructural and regulatory hurdles, primarily because of the safety concerns raised by the Department of Atomic Energy. Some apprehensions revolve around hydrogen’s volatility, a crucial element in proton beam generation, requiring daily inspections to prevent potential leaks. Cost considerations also pose a significant challenge, as a PBT machine is enormous, potentially extending to three storeys high and costing about ₹500 crore.
Proton Beam Therapy in India
Currently, Apollo Hospital in Chennai is the sole centre offering PBT in South and West Asia. This facility has already treated as many as 900 patients, with almost half the cases involving brain tumours. Patients with cancers of the prostate, ovaries, breast, lungs, bones and soft tissues have reported encouraging results from PBT treatments.
Despite these successes, the demand for PBT outstrips the supply in India, given its vast population and high cancer rates. This discrepancy points to an urgent need for increased access to this advanced form of treatment.
The Way Forward
In order to cater to this unmet need for PBT treatment, it’s imperative that the government focuses on setting up PBT centres across the nation. This would ensure wider access to cancer patients in need of this particular treatment. However, while planning these centres, it’s crucial to address safety concerns along with infrastructural and regulatory challenges.
The success of Apollo Hospital in Chennai provides a guiding light for other healthcare providers, demonstrating the potential benefits of investing in this technology. By prioritising access to PBT and addressing the associated challenges, India can take significant strides toward bolstering its cancer treatment landscape.
