Jony węgla w radioterapii – szanse i wyzwania

Carbon ion radiotherapy is one of the most interesting examples of the application of the achievements of modern physics in medicine and thus in the service of humanity. In the case of cancer treatment, the advantage of 12C6+ beams over other types of radiation results from a very favorable depth-dose distribution with a distinct maximum in the Bragg peak region at the end of the ion range, as well as from high values of linear energy transfer and relative biological effectiveness.This creates the opportunity to effectively fight against even radioresistant and hypoxic tumors located near critical organs.The technical aspects of the therapy include such issues as the generation of carbon ions and their acceleration to appropriate energies as well as the selection of the beam forming and patient irradiation system. The development of the optimal method of carbon ion treatment for moving tumors located in the thoracic and abdominal region still presents a challenge.