[Use of fast electrons in oncologic therapy. More than a decade's experience]

Criteria of choice in the utilization of fast electrons in radiotherapy on the basis of 2400 cases and 13 years of experience in the radiotherapy department of Cancer Institute in Milan are discussed. In the opinion of the authors fast electrons represent the most rational treatment to homogenize or differentiate the dose distribution according to space as a complementary technique after first time treatments by different ionizing radiation. Authors demonstrate also that fast electron treatment is the most rational technique for metastases in the retina and for recurrence of rhinopharynx cancer. Radiotherapy by fast electrons allows to deliver to the patient's body on integral dose lesser than with ionizing radiation of other type. Sequelae are regarding in most of the cases soft tissues and are caused by an unrecognized distribution of dose delivered by the ionizing radiations of other type in the first time treatment more than by difficulty im dosimetry of post-electrons.