Context: A technique called step-and-shoot spot-scanning proton arc therapy (SPArc) has been successfully used to treat a patient’s adenoid cystic carcinoma for the first time. SPArc works by targeting tumours with protons while sparing surrounding tissue.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about New Emerging Technologies: Cancer Treatment.
Step-and-shoot spot-scanning Proton Arc Therapy (SPArc)
- SPArc is an advanced radiation therapy that delivers precise proton beams to target tumours in sensitive areas.
- The treatment includes a computer programme that scans through all possible spots and energy layers where the proton beams could be delivered.
- An energy layer is a slice of tissue that receives proton beams of a specific energy. It determines the proton beam’s range, i.e., how far it is able to penetrate the tissue.
- When the machine fixes one energy level, it deposits the radiation dose in that energy layer. Then the machine switches to the next energy level and repeats the process.
Advantage:
The team compared the techniques: SFO-IMPT (standard proton therapy) and step-and-shoot SPArc.
- Reduces radiation exposure: Owing to its spot-scanning and precision, the SPArc method reduced radiation delivered to the brainstem (by 10%), optical chiasm (56%), oral cavity (72%), and spinal canal (90%) over SFO-IMPT. This is particularly significant to treat cancers (tumours) of the head and neck, as it can reduce radiation exposure to sensitive areas like the brain stem and spinal cord.
Concerns: The full clinical implementation of the technology is under development. It is very expensive and is often suitable for a small patient population.
Important Cutting-Edge Technologies for Cancer Treatment:
| S.No. | Technology | Details |
| 1. | Chemotherapy | Involves administration of drugs that interfere with cell division to slow down the growth of tumours. Limitations: These drugs can disrupt the cell division of normal cells too, causing complications. |
| 2. | Radiation Therapy | Radiation therapy directs high-energy radiation at the part of the body where a tumour is located. Limitations: The radiation process is not perfect and the nearby tissues are often harmed. |
| 3. | Image-guided Radiation Therapy | Form of radiation therapy that uses imaging techniques to precisely locate and treat cancerous tissue. Allows for higher doses of radiation to be delivered to tumour while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. |
| 4. | Proton Therapy | Type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy proton beams to destroy cancerous cells. Particularly useful to treat tumours located in sensitive areas (brain, eyes and spinal cord) where traditional radiation therapy can cause severe side effects. |
| 5. | Precision Medicine | Uses genomic information (genetic profile of their tumour) to personalise treatment for cancer patients. |
| 6. | Immunotherapy | i. CAR-T Cell Therapy (cell-based gene therapy which involves genetically modifying T-cells to help them attack cancer cells)ii. Utilising Monoclonal Antibodies iii. Injecting Cancer Vaccines |