Current status and new developments in ion therapy.

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, encouraging clinical results of ion radiotherapy led to planning and construction of several new treatment facilities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The main technical and biological aspects of ion therapy are reviewed. The current status and future developments are discussed.

RESULTS

The use of ions in radiotherapy results in highly conformal dose distributions. The degree of conformality is higher for active than for passive beam delivery techniques. Applying ion therapy, uncertainties in the range and the biologically effective dose have to be considered. For heavy ions, the clinical value of the increased biological efficiency has to be investigated.

CONCLUSION

Although the principal methods for clinical application of ion therapy are available, the development must be continued to explore its full potential.