Patient alignment system and procedure for radiation treatment

Abstract

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.