Carbon Ion Therapy: A Review of an Advanced Technology
Jung-In Kim, Jong Min Park, Hong‐Gyun Wu
Abstract
This paper provides a brief review of the advanced technologies for carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), with a focus on current developments. Compared to photon beam therapy, treatment using heavy ions, especially a carbon beam, has potential advantages due to its physical and biological properties. Carbon ion beams with high linear energy transfer demonstrate high relative biological effec tiveness in cell killing, particularly at the Bragg peak. With these unique properties, CIRT allows for accurate targeting and dose escalation for tumors with better sparing of adjacent normal tissues. Recently, the available CIRT technologies included fast pencil beam scanning, super conducting rotating gantry, respiratory motion management, and accurate beam modeling for the treat ment planning system. These techniques provide precise treatment, operational effi ciency, and patient comfort. Currently, there are 12 CIRT facilities worldwide; with technological improve ments, they continue to grow in number. Ongoing technological developments include the use of multiple ion beams, effective beam delivery, accurate biological modeling, and downsizing the facility.