10. IGRT (image-guided radiotherapy) and proton therapy

In radiotherapy, a beam of X-rays (6 to 24 MeV) or electrons passes through the patient to irradiate a tumor and kill the diseased cells [MED 450] . The main challenge is to irradiate with as little effect as possible on the healthy tissue surrounding the tumour, bearing in mind that the beam passes right through the body. Great progress in this direction has been made over several decades:

• In the 1970s, equipment manufacturers introduced beam shaping, placing an equalizer and lead jaws in the beam's path to confine it laterally;

• ...