At present in Italy there is a great interest in the use of cyclotrons for medical applications: according to a plan of CNR (National Research Council), accelerators of this kind are going to be installed in some hospitals. After the explanation of the cyclotron operation principles, an outline is given of the possible applications with particular care for the clinical ones. An up-to-date review of commercial models so far developed is reported and finally, after a short note concerning installation problems, some suggestions are given about criteria to be followed in the choice of a model, according to the foreseen scientific program.