Electronic linear accelerators have a wide range of applications in medical, scientific research, and industrial fields, and their advantages and limitations are mainly manifested in the following aspects:
Advantages:

Large adjustable energy range: The electron linear accelerator can output high-energy X-rays or high-energy electron lines, with a wide energy range. The output energy can be adjusted according to treatment needs, suitable for tumor treatment of different depths and sizes.

Accurate positioning: The electronic linear accelerator is equipped with a precise tumor lesion positioning device, which can ensure that the radiation is accurately concentrated on the tumor tissue, reducing damage to normal tissue, especially when there are important organs near the tumor lesion, this advantage is particularly prominent.

High treatment efficiency: The accelerator can output high energy at once, greatly reducing irradiation time and improving treatment efficiency. At the same time, accelerators can also be combined with high-dose and infrequent treatment methods to further shorten the treatment cycle.

Wide treatment range: Electronic linear accelerators are suitable for radiation therapy of tumors in various parts of the body, including central nervous system tumors, head and neck tumors, chest tumors, abdominal tumors, etc., and can meet the treatment needs of tumors in different parts and depths.

Comprehensive technology: Modern electronic linear accelerators are equipped with various treatment technologies and systems, such as "visualization" four-dimensional image guidance technology, high-speed and high-resolution precision treatment machine heads, dynamic X-ray and electronic wire rotation treatment special functions, etc. These technologies and systems can achieve more accurate and efficient treatment.



Limitations:
Cannot be used for intracavitary irradiation: Electron linear accelerators cannot be used for intracavitary irradiation, so for some tumors that require intracavitary irradiation, such as cervical cancer, uterine body cancer, etc., other treatment methods still need to be relied on.

The therapeutic effect on cancer cell metastasis is limited: electronic linear accelerators and all radiotherapy methods are local treatments, and the therapeutic effect may not be ideal for patients with widespread cancer cell metastasis or the presence of cancerous pleural and ascites.

The effect on specific cell types is limited: hypoxic cells in tumor lesions and cells in the resting phase have strong resistance, which may be one of the important reasons for radiotherapy failure.
In summary, electron linear accelerators have significant advantages in tumor treatment, but there are also certain limitations. In practical applications, it is necessary to choose appropriate treatment methods based on the specific situation and treatment needs of patients.