Hadron therapy, utilizing carbon Ions and protons, is a promising medical treatment for cancer. However, the effectiveness of carbon ions is constrained by infrastructure limitations, particularly in accelerator halls with standard resistive magnet synchrotrons and gantries. The advent of superconducting (SC) magnets presents a transformative solution. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of the superconducting magnets projects led by INFN focused on the hadron therapy.

In the introduction the study analyzes the current infrastructure limitations of hadron Therapy. Furthermore, ongoing European projects such as HITRIplus, I.FAST, and SIG, driven by the INFN, are examined to highlight the momentum toward SC magnets in hadron therapy. Initiatives like ESABLIM and IRIS, emphasizing energy-saving technologies, are also discussed in the context of operational infrastructure plans.

The implementation of superconducting magnets in hadron therapy gantries yields significant advantages. These include a substantial reduction in weight, a decrease in the number of required magnets, a smaller footprint, and lower costs. Moreover, compact accelerators and gantries minimize the need for extensive civil construction. The reduction in power consumption further underscores the superiority of SC magnets over their normal conducting counterparts.

The integration of superconducting magnets in heavy ions facilities for medical applications offers more compact and economically sustainable structures. Collaborative projects like HITRIplus, SIG, I.FAST, ESABLIM, and IRIS are advancing superconducting magnet technology for medical accelerators and gantry magnets. This mutual interest between superconducting magnet technology and hadron therapy signifies promising advancements in healthcare innovation.