The HIMAC cancer therapy and irradiation system

The article reports on the concepts, equipment configuration and basic operation of the Heavy-Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC) therapy and irradiation system. This system receives a narrow beam of high-energy ions extracted from a synchrotron ring, then spreads and flattens the beam and adjusts treatment depth for the tumor. Heavy-ions are delivered to the tumor position with three-dimensional control over the shape of the irradiation target, so that healthy peripheral tissue is protected from exposure. The article also discusses the shielding walls used to minimize incidental radiation. (author)