Tumours treatable at WPE

Indications for proton therapy

Proton therapy is a form of radiotherapy which, due to its extremely precise – and thus highly selective – proton beam, is used wherever such precision can be of benefit in combating tumours.

This is the case, for example, where a tumour:

• is in close proximity to sensitive tissue structures. (For example, near the spine, the brain or other important organs).
• requires a high dose of radiation.
• is difficult to access and its position means all – or part – of it cannot be operated on. (For example, tumours located close to the brain stem or the base of the skull).

Another indication favouring proton therapy is the young age of patients, such as children and adolescents. This is because the healthy tissue surrounding the tumour is still growing. In such cases it is especially important to protect healthy tissue in order to maximise the long-term quality of life.

Proton therapy: further prerequisites

In addition to the indications mentioned here, there are various prerequisites that must be met for proton therapy to be undertaken. These differ depending on the type of tumour, so we cannot provide a complete list here. Please contact us if you wish to establish whether proton therapy at WPE is an option for you or your child. You can also find out more on the individual pages detailing the respective medical conditions.