Glossary

Linear accelerator

A linear accelerator is a machine capable of generating a column of radiation (photons) that can be targeted towards tumours. The radiation causes breaks in the tumour cells DNA and so when the tumour cells divide in two, the ‘instruction manual’ on how to split and then reassemble the new DNA is damaged, and so both new cells die. These are large machines, typically occupying an entire lead-lined concrete bunker. Animals need to be totally still during radiation treatments, and so are anaesthetised.