Therapy with accelerated electrons - a clinical view point

Electron accelerators as a tool for radiation therapy have attracted the attention of radiation oncologists for precision treatment. There are only nine such pieces of equipment in operation in India. Modern medical linear accelerators are able to deliver optimum radiation to a tumour site without radiating normal tissue. Various physical parameters of 10 MV photons and the varying ranges of electrons from a MeVatron 74 accelerator and its clinical applicability are discussed. It is emphasized that such precision machines should be made available at reasonable cost in developing countries for accurate radiotherapy treatment to achieve better tumour control. (orig.)