Proton beam therapy in paediatric cancer: Anticipating the opening of the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research

Abstract

SummaryProton Beam Therapy (PBT) has the potential to improve paediatric cancer care by reducing radiation exposure and thus long‐term toxicities. Ethical concerns and debates surrounding the treatment, such as eligibility and accessibility, are ongoing in Australia. The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research (ABCPTR) (named after Sir William Henry Bragg who described the Bragg peak in his laboratory at the University of Adelaide in 1903) aims to increase access to PBT in Australasia and offer a patient‐centred care approach. Research is underway to assess PBT's safety and cost‐effectiveness, using tools including Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) models. Collaborative efforts are focused on developing tailored survivorship clinics to enhance patient follow‐up and quality of life. With the anticipated opening of the ABCPTR, Australia is preparing to take a significant step in radiation oncology, offering new research opportunities and creating a publicly funded treatment centre. The initiative aims to balance treatment efficacy with patient care, setting the stage for a future in which radiation therapy will reduce long‐term side effects compared to the current standard of care. The implementation of PBT in Australia represents a complex and promising approach to paediatric oncology. This article provides an overview of the current landscape, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of a treatment that could redefine the quality of survivorship and contribute to global research and best clinical practice.

Transforming cancer care in Australia: The dawn of particle therapy

“…Australian publications have previously highlighted proton therapy's capacity to minimise radiation exposure and long-term side effects in paediatric patients, addressing the ethical considerations of treatment access and eligibility. 8 Building on this, the creation of the Bragg Consumer Advisory Group (BCAG), as discussed by Penfold M, et al, demonstrates a progressive step towards incorporating patient perspectives into healthcare decision-making, reinforcing the importance of patient engagement. 9 Skelton et al delve into the challenges encountered by families travelling overseas for proton therapy, underscoring the necessity for enhanced support and care coordination.…”