How does a linear particle accelerator work?

SHORT VERSION

A linear particle accelerator is a radiation therapy machine that creates a radiation beam specifically directed to the tumor to kill cancer cells. This machine is composed of different parts: an electron gun that produces the electron beam an accelerator section to bring kinetic energy to the beam a target against which the electron beam strikes, causing reactions that will create a photon beam (this part is removed when using an electron beam) accessories (such as collimators) that are located in the machine head and allow modulating (sculpting) the beam shape and to direct it towards the area to be treated. Once directed towards the patient, the radiation beam will reach the tumor tissue/cells.

A linear particle accelerator is a radiation therapy machine that creates a radiation beam specifically directed to the tumor to kill cancer cells. This machine is composed of different parts:

  • an electron gun that produces the electron beam
  • an accelerator section to bring kinetic energy to the beam
  • a target against which the electron beam strikes, causing reactions that will create a photon beam (this part is removed when using an electron beam)
  • accessories (such as collimators) that are located in the machine head and allow modulating (sculpting) the beam shape and to direct it towards the area to be treated.

Once directed towards the patient, the radiation beam will reach the tumor tissue/cells.