Megavoltage X-rays

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Megavoltage X-rays
Early megavolt x-ray machine installed at Los Angeles Institute of Radiotherapy, 1938. Before linacs, high voltage x-ray tubes (left column) powered by million volt transformers (right column) were used to produce penetrating x-rays
ICD-992.24

Megavoltage X-rays are produced by

tumors. Beams with a voltage range of 4-25 MV are used to treat deeply buried cancers because radiation oncologists find that they penetrate well to deep sites within the body.[2] Lower energy x-rays, called orthovoltage X-rays, are used to treat cancers closer to the surface.[3]

Megavoltage x-rays are preferred for the treatment of deep lying tumours as they are attenuated less than lower energy photons, and will penetrate further, with a lower skin dose.

IMRT.[8]

History

The Use of megavoltage x-rays for treatment first became widespread with the use of Cobalt-60 machines in the 1950s.[9] However prior to this other devices had been capable of producing megavoltage radiation, including the 1930s Van de Graaff generator and betatron.[10][11][12]

See also

References

  1. ISBN 92-0-107304-6
    .
  2. ^ Camphausen KA, Lawrence RC. "Principles of Radiation Therapy" in Pazdur R, Wagman LD, Camphausen KA, Hoskins WJ (Eds) Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach. 11 ed. 2008.
  3. ISBN 9780323462396
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  4. PMID 21067022
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  5. doi:10.1118/1.597305
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  6. ISBN 9781891483356
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  7. doi:10.2307/3576725
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  8. ISBN 9783642115721
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  9. doi:10.3109/02841869509127233
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  10. ISBN 9780781763691
    .
  11. doi:10.1103/PhysRev.55.1160
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  12. doi:10.1148/40.2.115
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