Loma Linda University

Daniel W Miller

Michael F Moyers

Nickolas S Rigney

Daniel C Anderson

David A Lesyna

Michael A Baumann

Chieh C Cheng

Steve K McAllaster

Jerry D Slater

James M Slater

Jon W Slater

George Coutrakon

Rudolf E Prechter

Benjamin A Prichard, Jr

Jeffrey V Siebers

David B Legg

Thomas M Potts

A patient alignment system for a radiation therapy system. The alignment system includes multiple external measurement devices which obtain position measurements of components of the radiation therapy system which are movable and/or are subject to flex or other positional variations. The alignment system employs the external measurements to provide corrective positioning feedback to more precisely register the patient and align them with a radiation beam. The alignment system can be provided as an integral part of a radiation therapy system or can be added as an upgrade to existing radiation therapy systems.

Patient alignment system with external measurement and object coordination for radiation therapy system

A radiation treatment system () for accurately delivering radiation to a targeted site within a cancer patient () that includes a modular patient support system and a patient positioner (). The modular patient support system includes a modularly expandable patient pod () and at least one immobilization device, such as, for example, a rigid moldable foam cradle (). The patient pod () includes a generally hemi-cylindrical support shell () that extends longitudinally between proximal edge () and distal edge (), and transversely between two lateral edges (). In one embodiment, the lateral edges () are tapered to minimize edge effects that result when radiation beams traverse the lateral edges ().

Modular patient support system

A system for delivering two types of particles to a target within the body of a patient. A proton beam therapy system produces a beam of protons that is directed from a nozzle towards a target isocenter located within the body of a patient. The beam of protons can pass directly to the patient or pass through a neutron source comprised of a plate of neutron-rich material. Collisions between some of the protons and neutrons cause neutrons to be emitted from the material thereby generating a multiple particle beam comprised of both protons and neutrons. Preferably, the neutrons comprise only a small percent of the total particles in the beam. In the preferred embodiment, the neutron source is comprised of a plate of Beryllium that is interposed between the nozzle and the patient.

System and method for multiple particle therapy

The present invention is directed to a method for radiation beam therapy delivery system normalization and dose calibration. A prescribed treatment plan is compared to a database of pre-existing and pre-calibrated treatment plans. Upon existence of a matching plan, appropriate calibration factors are assigned to the delivery system monitors according to the pre-existing plan. Variations in delivery system operation are corrected by independent correction of all delivery system monitors established by standard relative calibration taken prior to patient treatment. The advantages of the present invention are particularly significant for proton therapy facilities containing a plurality of delivery systems. The method permits a prescribed treatment to be administered with accuracy not only at the station associated with the initial treatment planning, but at any available delivery station.

Normalizing and calibrating therapeutic radiation delivery systems

Accurate and repeatable patient alignment with a charged-particle beam of a radiation beam therapy system, such as a proton beam delivery system, is provided. The patient is immobilized within a form-fit patient pod. Reference radiographs are prepared that are used for repositioning the patient within the pod on subsequent occasions. CT scan data of a particular tissue volume of interest, such as a region of the patient wherein a cancerous tumor is located, is obtained while the patient remains in the pod. The CT scan data is used to prepare a treatment plan for the patient. The treatment plan includes identifying an isocenter within the tissue volume at which the beam is to be directed from a selected angle(s). A computer simulation of the treatment plan may be performed to optimize the treatment plan, i.e., to help identify the number of beams and treatment angles that will best irradiate the cancerous cells. Once the treatment plan is finalized, the patient is repositioned within the pod and a physical simulation of the treatment plan is carried out to verify that the selected cancerous cells will be properly irradiated. Finally, the treatment plan is carried out by irradiating the cancerous cells with the charged-particle beam in accordance with the treatment plan.

Patient alignment system and procedure for radiation treatment

A whole-body patient positioning and repositioning support for fixedly securing a patient in an original position during radiation treatment and for repositioning the patient to the same original position for subsequent radiation treatments. The support includes a foamed-in-place mold within a disposable plastic shell carrying a grid of radio-opaque members for generating a patient registration grid on X-rays for use in the evaluation and adjusting of the position of the patient to the original position using a sheet or straps between the patient and the mold.

Method of assembly and whole body, patient positioning and repositioning

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Oriental, NC, United States of America

Daniel W Miller