CERN to Create Miniature Accelerator for Cancer Treatment

Scientists at CERN have created a module for the brand-new accelerator measuring only two meters long. It would be possible to deploy it in medical facilities for production of isotopes, which are essential for cancer therapy, according to scientists’ report.

The accelerator will contain radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ), the element found in all proton accelerator chains around the world, including Large Hardon Collider, according to scholars. But scientists say the small accelerator is designed to be modular, compact and cheaper than its “big brothers”. So-called “mini-RFQ” is supposed to become the key element of a system capable of producing radioactive isotopes on site in hospitals. It will allow to avoid the transportation of radioactive material, that might be dangerous, scientists said.

“[A]t first it seemed impossible, but eventually, thanks to new beam dynamics and innovative ideas for the radiofrequency and mechanical aspects, we came up with an accelerator design that was much better adapted to the practical requirements of medical applications,” Alessandra Lombardi, one of the creators of "mini-RFQ," said.

The first of the four modules which will make up the final accelerator was successfully completed in CERN's workshops, report said. The scholar teams aim to test all of the modules together in a few months’s time.

CERN provides particle accelerators and other infrastructure needed for high-energy physics research.