High energy electron radiotherapy in a magnetic field.

We propose the use of high energy electrons in a strong local magnetic field as the ionizing beam in radiation therapy. A high kinetic energy insures that the electrons will penetrate to deep-seated tumor masses. A high magnetic field of several tesla in the region encompassing the tumor will confine the high energy electrons to the tumor volume before the scattering of the beam becomes excessive, thus producing an enhanced electron "Bragg peak" and highly localized strong radiation dose. The conclusions are based on a detailed Monte Carlo model which includes Landau straggling, multiple scattering, and the space dependence of the magnetic field.