Proton Beam Therapy for Oral Cancer and Treatment Challenges in India

Oral cancer poses a significant threat in India, often leading to fatal outcomes or functional impairment for affected individuals. Effectively managing oral cancer proves to be a complex task due to the influence of prognosis and recurrence factors on treatment strategies. While surgery and chemotherapy are conventional options, radiotherapy also plays a crucial role. However, radiotherapy comes with several drawbacks. To address these challenges, proton beam therapy, a form of particle therapy, has emerged as a promising alternative. This review provides an overview of proton beam therapy for oral cancer and examines the current status of its availability and affordability in India, reflecting contemporary trends worldwide.