Author Interviews, Cancer Research, JAMA, Race/Ethnic Diversity, Radiology / 27.04.2022
Black Patients Less Likely to Be Treated with Proton Beam Therapy Than White Counterparts
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Leticia Nogueira, PhD, MPH
Senior Principal Scientist, Health Services Research
American Cancer Society, Inc.
Kennesaw, GA 30144
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) can deliver higher dose of radiation to the tumor with less damage to surrounding healthy cells. Therefore, PBT is potentially superior to photon-based radiation therapy to treat tumors with complex anatomy, surrounded by sensitive tissues, or for treating childhood cancer (where long-term side effects of radiation therapy are a main concern). However, PBT can cost twice as much as photon-based radiation therapy. (more…)