Modern options for hadron therapy of tumors.

The use of accelerated ions for the removal of localized tumors without surgery has seen a wide development in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. Today new sites are under construction and some kind of competition has started to design and build the most versatile and/or the most cost effective facility. Developments like the laser ion source, which can create more than enough carbon ions in charge state 6, the electron beam ion source with ultrashort ion extraction and the rapid cycling medical synchrotron may contribute to reduce the investment cost as well as the cost per treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]