Proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) works to destroy cancer on a cellular level through a dose-distribution principle. Protons attract negatively charged electrons and pull them out of their orbits to damage molecules within the cells. In PBRT, protons are energized to specific velocities, which determine how deeply into the body they will deposit their maximum energy within a designated cancer volume. As a prostate cancer treatment, PBRT is painless and noninvasive. Typically, patients are scheduled for proton beam radiation therapy five days a week for five to nine weeks. Each treatment session lasts between 15 and 60 minutes.
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