The Emerging Potential of Multi-Ion Radiotherapy

Frontiers in Oncology

Steven J. Frank¹  Taku Inaniwa²  Shigeru Yamada²  Daniel K. Ebner²  Toshiyuki Shirai² 

[1] Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States;National Institute of Radiological Science (NIRS), National Institutes of Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba, Japan;

关键词: heavy-ion radiotherapy;    carbon-ion radiotherapy;    helium-ion irradiation;    radiation therapy;    multi-ion radiotherapy;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fonc.2021.624786

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Research into high linear energy transfer (LET) radiotherapy now spans over half a century, beginning with helium and deuteron treatment in 1952 and today ranging from fast neutrons to carbon-ions. Owing to pioneering work initially in the United States and thereafter in Germany and Japan, increasing focus is on the carbon-ion beam: 12 centers are in operation, with five under construction and three in planning. While the carbon-ion beam has demonstrated unique and promising suitability in laboratory and clinical trials toward the hypofractionated treatment of hypoxic and/or radioresistant cancer, substantial developmental potential remains. Perhaps most notable is the ability to paint LET in a tumor, theoretically better focusing damage delivery within the most resistant areas. However, the technique may be limited in practice by the physical properties of the beams themselves. A heavy-ion synchrotron may provide irradiation with multiple heavy-ions: carbon, helium, and oxygen are prime candidates. Each ion varies in LET distribution, and so a methodology combining the use of multiple ions into a uniform LET distribution within a tumor may allow for even greater treatment potential in radioresistant cancer.

【 授权许可】

Unknown