Use of medium energy particles in radiobiology and radiotherapy

With a view towards the various radiations available, or expected, at Saturne, the radiological properties of ion beams are described and their biomedical use reviewed. The special features and potentialities of primary and secondary radiations obtained with medium-energy accelerators for protons or electrons are mentioned, for comparison. Examples are given from work at heavy accelerators which is contributing to our basic knowledge of radiation effects on cells and tissues, or otherwise contributed to recent advances in experimental and clinical radiology. The author tries to identify areas where important spin-off contributions from medium-energy physics to the biomedical sciences could be made, or where such contributions would have significant implications for the society. The conclusion is made that Saturne has a great potential for valuable experimental and preclinical research, particularly in neurophysiology and oncology