History of LINAC and Proton Radiosurgery

The history of LINAC and proton radiosurgery is closely related to particle physics and the historical forces involved in the advances of the latter. These two platforms evolved as parallel phenomena to Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and the pioneering work that laid the groundwork for them to become part of the armamentarium in the treatment of neurological conditions proceeded even Lars Leksell's efforts. Among these, advances in accelerator science spurred by Second World War and better utilization of radiofrequencies were the driving factors underpinning historical milestones for these two platforms. Contemporary advances in computer science and imaging technologies have further advanced the boundaries of LINAC and proton radiosurgery, developing them as state-of-the-art tools able to treat patients in complex clinical scenarios in a highly precise and minimally invasive manner. However, there are many advances yet to be made, and important progress is certainly underway. The collaborative and multidisciplinary work of physicists, radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and others have and will be crucial in the evolution of these technologies.