Source: TH
Context: A 46-year-old woman with skull-base parotid cancer became the first patient to be treated using step-and-shoot spot-scanning proton arc therapy (SPArc), a cutting-edge radiotherapy technique that minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
About Step-and-Shoot Spot-Scanning Proton Arc Therapy (SPArc Therapy):
- SPArc is a novel proton-based radiotherapy technique that delivers precise radiation doses to complex tumours while sparing nearby organs.
- Developed by: Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, U.S.
- Objective: To maximize tumour irradiation while reducing radiation exposure to critical organs in sensitive anatomical areas like the brainstem, skull base, and optic nerves.
- Key Features:
- Step-and-Shoot Precision: Radiation is delivered in programmed angular steps across 180º, improving targeting accuracy while minimizing dose spillage.
- Layer-by-Layer Energy Modulation: Proton beams are adjusted across energy layers, painting the tumour slice by slice to ensure full coverage.
- Adaptive Treatment via Synthetic CT: AI-generated synthetic CT scans from cone-beam CT help track real-time anatomical changes and adjust dose delivery dynamically.
- Reduced Side Effects: The first patient had only minor skin irritation, no impact on diet or daily life—a big leap in quality of life for cancer patients.
- Applications:
- Head and Neck Cancers: Especially those near sensitive areas like the skull base or facial nerves.
- Large or Complex Tumours: Where precision and reduced collateral damage are essential.
- Refractory or Invasive Cancers: Where traditional radiation methods fail or pose high risk to healthy tissues.
- Significance for India:
- Precision Oncology Advancement: SPArc can improve survival outcomes in otherwise untreatable cases.
- Cost vs Benefit Debate: High costs and limited use raise concerns over equitable access and health system burden.
- India’s Opportunity: With increasing cancer rates, India may benefit from strategic integration of such technologies in tertiary centres.
