Proton Radiotherapy Accelerators

Hadronic radiotherapy uses particle beams to treat tumours located near critical body structures and tumours that respond poorly to conventional photon and electron beam radiotherapy. Initial research in hadronic radiotherapy was performed using accelerators built for physics research. The good results of the proton and ion therapy programs have enhanced the tendency to use protontherapy as a routine method. There are about 20 working protontherapy facilities (first, second and third generation) and more than 30 centres are planned. This book presents the first comprehensive overview of the field with a discussion on the fundamental basis of particle physics and radiobiology, as well as review of clinical and technical specifications and designs for proton radiotherapy. In particular, the current designs of proton and heavy ion accelerators, beam delivery systems, gantries, beam monitoring and dosimetry systems, control and safety systems, patient positioning and immobilization devices, and ancillary treatment facilities are widely discussed.