Physical and cellular radiobiological properties of heavy ions in relation to cancer therapy applications

A variety of experiments have been carried out in vitro on several mammalian cell lines with carbon, neon, silicon and argon beams at 14 and 24 cm depth penetration. The results of these experiments substantiate the conceptual basis for physical and radiobiological advantages of accelerated heavy-ion beams in cancer therapy. The best biologically effective depth dose ratio for situations corresponding to therapy needs can be obtained with accelerated carbon beams. The depression of the oxygen effect with silicon or argon ion beams is greater than that achievable with neutrons or pions, or with heavy ions of lower atomic number