System and method for layer-wise proton beam current variation

摘要

Systems and methods are provided to perform efficient, automatic adjustment of cyclotron beam currents within a wide range for multiple treatment layers within the same patient and treatment session. In one embodiment, efficient adjustment is achieved by using beam current attenuation by an electrostatic vertical deflector installed in the inner center of the cyclotron. The beam current may, for example, be adjusted by the high voltage applied to the electrostatic vertical deflector. In front of each treatment the attenuation curve of the vertical deflector is recorded. Based on this attenuation curve, the vertical deflector voltage for the needed beam current of each irradiation layer is interpolated. With this procedure the beam current could be automatically adjusted in minimal time over a wide range while maintaining a high level of precision.

主权项

1. A proton therapy system, the proton therapy system comprising:
a cyclotron, the cyclotron comprising:
a plurality of sub-systems collectively used to operate the cyclotron, the plurality of sub-systems including at least one sub-system from the group consisting of:
a magnet sub-system;a cooling sub-system;a vacuum sub-system;a radio frequency sub-system;a beam injection sub-system,an ion source for producing a proton treatment beam having a beam current;a plurality of beam path modulators; anda plurality of beam current modulators, wherein, the proton treatment beam is directed by at least one of the plurality of beam path modulators such that at least a portion of the proton treatment beam travels through at least one of the plurality of beam current modulators.