Throughout the last decade, the use of protons in cancer treatment has become much more well-known, but medical institutions have been using them for close to half a century applying ionizing radiation to treat a variety of diseases. Physicist Michael Gillin, professor in the Department of Radiation Physics at the MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center, spoke to DOTmed News about some of the most relevant issues currently pertaining to the treatment, and the direction proton therapy is heading in.

Do you think single-room proton therapy systems will displace traditional systems in the near future?

It’s possible for single room systems to deliver scanning beams to do that, especially if they have an established treatment record. However, one obvious disadvantage of a single room is that there is no backup if the unit needs repair.

How does the reimbursement landscape look for proton therapy?

I am afraid this is not my area of expertise. However, as a physicist, it is my personal opinion that all medical technology must define its contributions to patient care.

Once reimbursement gets sorted out, do you think smaller hospitals will start offering proton therapy?

It is my personal opinion that appropriate decisions should be made after the unique contributions from proton therapy (and other particle therapy) are defined. This definition is currently being established at the Proton Therapy Center at MD Anderson and at other facilities.

Pencil-beam technology is now the industry standard but is there any new, more advanced technology on the horizon?

I believe proton therapy is the future of radiation therapy. Refinements to the pencil beam technology go as far into the future as I can see.

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