Рencil beam scanning (PBS) is an irradiation of a tumor using a thin beam of protons. The proton beam can be compared to a pencil, which carefully “draws” the tumor at high speed. During movement, the radiation power is modulated in accordance with the thickness of the tumor. This makes it possible to accurately “scan” with a narrow beam, that is, to irradiate a neoplasm of any shape several times.
PBS delivers millimeter-accurate radiation to the tumor with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. Therefore, the irradiation itself occurs very quickly, within a few minutes. The entire radiotherapy session can take 15-90 minutes, depending on the positioning of the patient during treatment.