IONS AND ION ACCELERATORS FOR CANCER TREATMENT

KRSTO PRELEC

Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York, U. S. A.

Received 12 December 1997

Energetic ions in the mass range up to neon may have important advantages in cancer treatment when compared to other, conventional types of radiation. This review will first consider radiobiological properties of several types of radiation (photons, electrons, protons and ions), pointing out to the relevant characteristics of ions compared to other types. Parameters of ion beams as required for cancer treatment will then be defined, followed by the review of the status of proton and ion therapy and clinical trials, and a description of operating and planned facilities. Finally, on the basis of existing experience and desired future performance, a possible design of such a facility will be suggested.

UDC 537.567, 537.563.3yyyyyy
PACS number: 87.53.-j

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