Better radiation therapy against cancer

2000/12/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza

Radiation therapy is effective in treating cancer, but improvements are always welcome. Researchers at US laboratories Lawrence Livermore have prepared a system to increase the amount of radiation without damaging almost healthy tumor cells. Using the mathematical model called Monte Carlo, the computer calculates in three dimensions the fate of the radiation and the amount of radiation received by the tissues, bones and empty spaces. In this way the required dose can be calculated more accurately. The device has individual scanners and can be adapted to the anatomy of each human body or to the nature of the disease. The new baptized Peregrine system is the result of research to develop nuclear weapons and is expected to be ready as soon as possible.