Introduction to the use of protons and heavy ions in radiation therapy: Historical perspective

The mixed era of stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy

“…A smaller amount of energy is released first and a much larger amount of beam energy is released at the end of the path, called the "Bragg peak". The first therapeutic application of proton beams proposed by Wilson started the Berkeley Radiation Laboratory, USA, in 1954 [22]. These radiophysical features provide less radiation to normal tissues resulting in fewer RT complications, especially secondary malignancy.…”

An Overview on Radiotherapy: From Its History to Its Current Applications in Dermatology

“…The studies, which had been conducted in the successive three decades (Megavoltage era), were also focused on the development of more and more innovative radio-therapeutic devices able to treat cancers in the deep tissues. This period saw the introduction of the Cobalt teletherapy, producing high-energy γ-rays [ 11 ], and of more potent electron linear accelerators (also known as electron linacs) [ 12 ], able to deliver megavoltage X-rays. The new devices were able to deliver a higher dose of energies than the previous ones, making possible the treatment of deeper tumours with a greater skin sparing.…”

Robert R. Wilson (1914–2000): the first scientist to propose particle therapy—use of particle beam for cancer treatment

“…John Lawrence and Cornelius A. Tobias, who had studied aerospace medicine, performed fundamental research on the physics and biology of cancer treatments by using protons, deuterons, and helium ions generated in an 184-inch cyclotron developed in 1948 [4], and they began clinical studies in 1954 [5]. However, in these clinical studies, they did not use particle beams to treat malignant tumors, but irradiated the pituitary gland to destroy its hormone-producing capability and thus treat diseases caused by the abnormal production of hormones by the pituitary gland (e.g., acromegaly).…”

“…A method developed at Berkeley allowed the assessment of tumor spread by CT, and it expanded the Bragg peak on the basis of this assessment. In 1976, clinical studies on helium-ion therapy for malignant tumors were started [5]. The BEVALAC accelerator (Fig.…”