Instrumentation for treatment of cancer using proton and light-ion beams

Abstract

Clinical trials using accelerated heavy charged-particle beams for treating cancer and other diseases have been performed for nearly four decades. Recently there have been worldwide efforts to construct hospital-based medically dedicated proton or light-ion accelerator facilities. To make such accelerated heavy charged-particle beams clinically useful, specialized instruments must be developed to modify the physical characteristics of the particle beams in order to optimize their biological and clinical effects. This article reviews the beam modifying devices and associated dosimetric equipment developed specifically for controlling and monitoring the clinical beams.