What part of the body is targeted by proton therapy?

Proton therapy is a type of radiation treatment that specifically targets a tightly focused point within the body. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, which can affect both healthy and cancerous tissues, proton therapy uses charged particles known as protons. These protons can be precisely controlled to deliver radiation directly to tumors while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissues.

This precision is achieved through the unique physical properties of protons, which allow them to deposit the majority of their energy at a specific depth, known as the Bragg peak. This characteristic enables clinicians to hone in on the exact location of a tumor, delivering a high dose of radiation where it is needed most and sparing adjacent healthy organs and tissues.

The other options do not accurately reflect how proton therapy functions. For instance, it does not target the entire body or only healthy tissues. Also, while it is effective for cancerous tumors, the treatment is not limited to just cancerous organs but rather focuses specifically on the tumor itself, making the correct response centered on the therapy’s precision and focus.