Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung

Carl Zeiss Ag

Photoelectron Corporation

Euan Thomson

Mark T Dinsmore

A method is provided for treating a tumor by pre-irradiation. The location, size, and shape of the tumor is identified. A region that includes the tumor as well as a surrounding portion most likely to contain residual tumorous cells is identified. The identified region is irradiated with therapeutic radiation, such as x-rays, prior to surgical removal of the tumor. The tumor is removed after irradiation of the identified region, leaving only the pre-irradiated surrounding portion. The risk of recurrence of tumorous growth after resection of the tumor may be significantly reduced.

Method of treating a tumor by pre-irradiation

A controller is provided for selectively and independently control each of a plurality of therapeutic radiation sources arranged along an array. The controller is operable to selectively generate therapeutic radiation at selected time intervals and at selected intensities. The controller includes intensity control circuitry for controlling the intensity of the therapeutic radiation generated by each therapeutic radiation source. The controller also includes duration control circuitry for controlling the duration of the therapeutic radiation generated by each therapeutic radiation source. The controller may also include a mechanical introducer for inserting the array into a treatment region, and for withdrawing the array from the treatment region.

Controller for array of miniature radiation sources

A system for delivering therapeutic radiation, such as x-rays, to a treatment region includes a plurality of individually controllable therapeutic radiation sources. The therapeutic radiation sources are selectively and moveably disposed along one or more axes, or upon a two-dimensional surface, or within a three-dimensional volume, so as to form a one-dimensional or a multi-dimensional array. Each therapeutic radiation source includes an electron source for emitting electrons, and an associated target element adapted to emit therapeutic radiation in response to incident electrons. In one embodiment, each therapeutic radiation source is coupled to a distal end of an associated optical delivery structure, which is adapted to direct a beam of optical radiation to impinge upon a surface of the electron source so as to cause emission of electrons therefrom.

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Harvard, MA, United States of America

Euan Thomson