Prediction of the spatial distribution of cell survival in heavy ion beams.

ABSTRACT

The possible use of heavy ion beams for biomedical applications was examined through calculations of the physical beam properties and the spatial distribution of cell survival. Range straggling, creation of secondary particles, electron pickup, and the effects of inhomogeneous absorbers were analyzed in terms of cell survival. Depth-survival plots for typical irradiations provide substantial encouragement for the investigation of these beams for biomedical applications in which localized tissue destruction is desired.