In the medical field, traveling wave acceleration technology, especially medical electronic linear accelerators, is an important tool for radiation therapy. The following is a detailed description of medical electronic linear accelerators in medical applications:



Medical electronic linear accelerator is one of the main equipment for tumor radiotherapy. It establishes an electromagnetic field inside the accelerator tube, causing electrons to continuously accelerate under the action of the microwave electromagnetic field after injection, and exit the beam at a speed close to the speed of light. These high-energy electron beams or other particle beams (such as X-rays) can precisely irradiate tumor tissue, thereby killing cancer cells or inhibiting their growth.

Traveling wave acceleration technology has played a crucial role in medical electronic linear accelerators. In a traveling wave accelerator, the electromagnetic field propagates in the form of traveling waves within the accelerator tube, providing continuous acceleration force for electrons. This acceleration method enables electrons to output higher energy and more stable speed, thereby improving the effectiveness and safety of radiation therapy.

Specifically, medical electronic linear accelerators play an important role in the following medical applications:

Tumor radiation therapy: High energy electron beams or X-rays generated by medical electron linear accelerators can be used to irradiate tumor tissue, killing or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells by disrupting their DNA structure. This treatment method has been widely used in a variety of cancer treatments, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, etc.

Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT): Using high-energy electron beams generated by medical electron linear accelerators, precise localization and irradiation of tumor tissue can be achieved. By adjusting parameters such as electron beam energy, irradiation angle, and irradiation time, stereotactic treatment of tumor tissue can be achieved, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and reducing damage to normal tissue.

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT): During surgery, high-energy electron beams generated by medical electron linear accelerators are used to irradiate tumor tissue, which can further kill or inhibit residual cancer cells. This treatment method has been widely used in breast cancer, rectal cancer and other operations.

It should be noted that although medical electronic linear accelerators play an important role in radiation therapy, radiation therapy itself also carries certain risks and side effects. Therefore, when performing radiation therapy, it is necessary to develop personalized treatment plans based on the specific situation of the patient and carry out them under the guidance of professional doctors. At the same time, attention should also be paid to protecting normal tissues and preventing and dealing with potential side effects.