Proton therapy for prostate cancer: show me the CER!

Hoppe et al present an excellent review of the physics relevant to an understanding of proton therapy—and of the available literature assessing the use of proton beams in the management of prostate cancer. This subject has generated a great deal of discussion in both scientific and health policy circles over the past few years, and some context and commentary seems appropriate. It is particularly noteworthy that, as the authors point out, this technology that has existed for half a century in many ways can still be considered a new and emerging technology.