At the Houston, Texas, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, an equipment test is ongoing at a new proton radiation therapy center. Oncologists have known for quite a while that using proton radiation for X-rays would be less harmful to normal tissues and organs and would be more destructive of malignant growths. More cures would be possible, but the cost has been prohibitive. The Anderson Center will cost about $130 million, but it is funded by private investors. When the system uses protons to bombard a tumor, it will use about 250 million electron volts, which is sufficient to reach tumors in most patients. The energy disrupts bonds of molecules in a cell, which breaks DNA strands. If the cell cannot repair itself, it does or cannot replicate. The same is true of X-rays, but protons, unlike X-rays, only release most of their energy when they are at the actual target. Proton therapy is most successful when used on single, well-defined tumors, particularly those close to sensitive nerves and organs, including tumors of the lungs or prostate. Anderson's spokesman postulates that about 75% of prostate cancer sufferers can receive proton therapy, and that incontinence and impotence that follows other treatments could be eliminated. When the larger area has to be radiated, such as in treatment of breast cancer, or when the whole body is radiated, as with treatment for leukemia and most lymphomas, X-rays are still the preferred treatment. Among topics covered are optimistic reports from the Loma Linda University on results of proton therapy, Medicare reimbursement, funding Anderson, and the conditions under which a synchrotron will be used at Anderson.