title: Physics controversies in proton therapy.
abstract: The physical characteristics of proton beams are appealing for cancer therapy. The rapid increase in operational and planned proton therapy facilities may suggest that this technology is a "plug-and-play" valuable addition to the arsenal of the radiation oncologist and medical physicist. In reality, the technology is still evolving, so planning and delivery of proton therapy in patients face many practical challenges. This review article discusses the current status of proton therapy treatment planning and delivery techniques, indicates current limitations in dealing with range uncertainties, and proposes possible developments for proton therapy and supplementary technology to try to realize the actual potential of proton therapy.
authors.affiliation: Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands. m.engelsman@tudelft.nl
authors.forename: Martijn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Engelsman
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schwarz
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dong
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D058958:Organs at Risk / Q000528:radiation effects; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D017785:Photons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061766:Proton Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000379:methods*; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage