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Particle Beams for Cancer Therapy The discoveries of the electron, proton and neutron by Thomson, Rutherford and Chadwick placed the UK at the forefront of scientific research. Advances in physics were previously applied rapidly within the new NHS. For example, the Clatterbridge cyclotron, designed for neutron therapy, was the first hospital based proton therapy unit in the world, with considerable success in the treatment of ocular melanoma.  Protons and charged particles such as carbon ions deposit energy far more selectively than x-rays or neutrons due to the Bragg peak effect. There is a marked reduction in radiation dose to normal tissues: tumour dose escalation is possible in clinically awkward situations, e.g. proximity of a cancer to the brain, spinal cord, kidney, bowel etc. Good quality of life and organ function have been shown following proton and ion treatment abroad. The reduced total energy deposition should reduce the risk of second cancer induction.  At present there is a rapid expansion in proton and ion facilities in advanced countries, with the notable exception of the UK. However, the UK is developing plans for proton and ion beam therapy. New Accelerator technologies should improve patient access by reduction of costs and allow greater patient throughput. There is a large cancer research portfolio ranging from physics and predictive radiobiology to how to best integrate such approaches with surgery, chemotherapy and the emergent molecular approaches. Some examples of the radiation biology interactions will be given along with various approaches to their modelling.