Heavy-ion tumor therapy: Physical and radiobiological benefits

Journal Article · Fri Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 2010 · Reviews of Modern Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/REVMODPHYS.82.383· OSTI ID:22038487

Schardt, Dieter; Elsaesser, Thilo; Schulz-Ertner, Daniela ^[1]

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1. GSI Helmholtzzentrum fuer Schwerionenforschung mbH (GSI), D-64291 Darmstadt (Germany)

High-energy beams of charged nuclear particles (protons and heavier ions) offer significant advantages for the treatment of deep-seated local tumors in comparison to conventional megavolt photon therapy. Their physical depth-dose distribution in tissue is characterized by a small entrance dose and a distinct maximum (Bragg peak) near the end of range with a sharp fall-off at the distal edge. Taking full advantage of the well-defined range and the small lateral beam spread, modern scanning beam systems allow delivery of the dose with millimeter precision. In addition, projectiles heavier than protons such as carbon ions exhibit an enhanced biological effectiveness in the Bragg peak region caused by the dense ionization of individual particle tracks resulting in reduced cellular repair. This makes them particularly attractive for the treatment of radio-resistant tumors localized near organs at risk. While tumor therapy with protons is a well-established treatment modality with more than 60 000 patients treated worldwide, the application of heavy ions is so far restricted to a few facilities only. Nevertheless, results of clinical phase I-II trials provide evidence that carbon-ion radiotherapy might be beneficial in several tumor entities. This article reviews the progress in heavy-ion therapy, including physical and technical developments, radiobiological studies and models, as well as radiooncological studies. As a result of the promising clinical results obtained with carbon-ion beams in the past ten years at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator facility (Japan) and in a pilot project at GSI Darmstadt (Germany), the plans for new clinical centers for heavy-ion or combined proton and heavy-ion therapy have recently received a substantial boost.

• OSTI ID: 22038487
• Journal Information: Reviews of Modern Physics, Journal Name: Reviews of Modern Physics Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 82; ISSN 0034-6861; ISSN RMPHAT
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ACCELERATOR FACILITIES
BEAMS
BRAGG CURVE
CARBON IONS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DEPTH DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS
HAZARDS
HEAVY IONS
IONIZATION
NEOPLASMS
ORGANS
PARTICLE TRACKS
PHOTONS
PROTONS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIOTHERAPY