Neutron capture therapy system and beam shaping body installation method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a neutron capture therapy system, comprising a neutron generator and a beam shaper, wherein the beam shaper adjusts the beam quality of the neutron line generated by the neutron generator. The neutron capture therapy system also includes a concrete wall forming a space for accommodating the neutron generator and the beam shaper, wherein a support module is disposed within the concrete wall, the support module being capable of supporting the beam shaper and being used to adjust the position of the beam shaper. The neutron capture therapy system also includes a protective frame for accommodating the beam shaper and the support module, the protective frame being used for transporting or installing the beam shaper and the support module. The modular support structure of the neutron capture therapy system of the present invention allows for local adjustment of the beam shaper to meet precision requirements, improve beam quality, and meet target assembly tolerances. The provision of the protective frame reduces the risk of the beam shaper tipping over during loading or during transportation of the beam shaper and its support module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] On one hand, the present invention relates to a radiotherapy system, in particular to a neutron capture therapy system; on the other hand, the present invention relates to a method for installing a beam shaper, in particular to a method for installing a beam shaper for a neutron capture therapy system. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of atomic science, radiation therapy, such as cobalt-60, linear accelerators, and electron beams, has become a primary approach to cancer treatment. However, conventional photon or electron therapy is limited by the physical properties of radiation. While killing tumor cells, it can also damage a significant amount of normal tissue in the beam's path. Furthermore, due to the varying sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation, conventional radiation therapy is often ineffective in treating more radioresistant malignancies, such as glioblastoma multiforme and melanoma.

[0003] To reduce radiation damage to normal tissues surrounding the tumor, the concept of targeted therapy from chemotherapy has been applied to radiotherapy. Furthermore, for highly radioresistant tumor cells, radiation sources with high relative biological effectiveness (RBE), such as proton therapy, heavy particle therapy, and neutron capture therapy, are currently being actively developed. Neutron capture therapy, for example, combines these two concepts. Boron neutron capture therapy, for example, utilizes boron-containing drugs to specifically accumulate in tumor cells, combined with precise neutron beam control, to offer a superior cancer treatment option compared to traditional radiation.

[0004] The beam shaper is used to improve the flux and quality of the neutron source and is a core component of the neutron capture therapy system. To ensure beam quality and enhance treatment effectiveness, the center of the high-energy beam tube must be aligned as closely as possible with the center of the beam shaper. Therefore, a concrete support module is used to support the beam shaper. However, the entire beam shaper and its concrete support are relatively heavy and have a high center of gravity. This poses a risk of tipping during loading of beam shaper materials or during transport of the entire beam shaper and its support module.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the above-mentioned issues, the present invention provides, in one aspect, a neutron capture therapy system, comprising a neutron generator and a beam shaper, wherein the beam shaper adjusts the beam quality of the neutron beam generated by the neutron generator. The neutron capture therapy system further comprises a concrete wall forming a space for accommodating the neutron generator and the beam shaper, wherein a support module is disposed within the concrete wall, wherein the support module is capable of supporting the beam shaper and adjusting the position of the beam shaper. The neutron capture therapy system further comprises a protective frame for accommodating the beam shaper and the support module, wherein the protective frame is used for transporting or installing the beam shaper and the support module. The modular support structure enables local adjustment of the beam shaper to meet precision requirements, improve beam quality, and meet target assembly tolerances. The provision of the protective frame reduces the risk of the beam shaper tipping over during loading or during transportation of the beam shaper and its support module.

[0007] Preferably, the protective frame includes an upper cover plate, a lower cover plate, a left cover plate, a right cover plate, and front and rear cover strips. The upper and lower cover plates are respectively disposed at the ends of the left and right cover plates and are detachably connected thereto. The front and rear cover strips are respectively detachably connected to the left and right cover plates. The protective frame is constructed of low-carbon steel. The protective frame utilizes detachable connections, a clever structure, and its frame-like construction enhances stability, further reducing the risk of tipping over during loading of materials or during transportation of the beam shaping body and its supporting modules.

[0008] Furthermore, the protective frame is equipped with a support member that is detachably connected to the left and right side cover plates. The lower surface of the support member, when installed, is flush with the lower surface of the lower cover plate. The support member further prevents the beam shaping body and its supporting module from tipping over, enhancing stability. The detachable connection allows the support member to be removed in the event of interference during transportation, increasing ease of use and allowing for easy installation and removal.

[0009] Furthermore, a lifting lug is provided on the protective frame, which is used to lift the protective frame to transfer the protective frame and the beam shaping body and support module inside the protective frame. The lifting lug is a boss with a through hole extending to the left and right respectively from the middle position of the upper part of the left and right side cover plates.

[0010] Preferably, the beam shaping body comprises a support frame and a main body portion that is filled within the support frame. The main body portion is at least partially filled within the support frame before the support frame of the beam shaping body is secured to the support module. Alternatively, the support frame of the beam shaping body is first secured to the support module before the main body portion is filled within the support frame. Preferably, the main body portion comprises a retarder and a reflector. Due to size and shape limitations of the retarder or installation precision requirements, the retarder and / or reflector portion with a special shape is first filled within the support frame before the support frame of the beam shaping body is secured to the support module.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for installing a beam shaper for a neutron capture therapy system, comprising: fixing a support frame of the beam shaper to a support module supporting the beam shaper; filling at least a portion of the main body of the beam shaper into the support frame; placing the beam shaper and support module as a whole in a protective frame and transporting them to a mounting wall; removing the protective frame; adjusting the positions of the beam shaper and support module; fixing the support module and filling a shielding body between the mounting wall and the support module. The modular support structure allows for local adjustment of the beam shaper to meet precision requirements, improve beam quality, and meet target assembly tolerances. The provision of a protective frame reduces the risk of the beam shaper tipping over during filling or during transportation of the beam shaper and its support module.

[0012] Preferably, before the beam shaping support frame is secured to the support module, at least a portion of the main body is filled into the support frame and encapsulated. After the beam shaping support frame is secured to the support module, the remaining portion of the main body is filled into the support frame and encapsulated. At least a portion of the main body may be a specially shaped retarder and / or reflector to meet retarder size and shape restrictions or installation accuracy requirements.

[0013] Preferably, the support module and the beam shaping body fixed to the support module are placed in the protective frame before at least a portion of the main body is filled. Before at least a portion of the main body, especially the heavier portion, is filled, the support module and the beam shaping body fixed to the support module are placed in the protective frame to prevent tipping during filling of the main body.

[0014] Preferably, the positions of the support module and beam shaper are adjusted using an adjustment member provided on the support module and an adjustment device acting on the adjustment member, thereby improving the overlap between the center of the beam shaper and the center of the beam pipeline, allowing the target to be placed into the center hole of the beam shaper. The installation method also includes installing a shielding plate to cover the shielding body and removing the adjustment member before installing the shielding plate to further reduce radiation.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for installing a protective frame, wherein the protective frame is used for transporting or installing a beam shaping body and a support module supporting the beam shaping body. The protective frame includes an upper cover plate, a lower cover plate, a left cover plate, a right cover plate, and front and rear cover strips. The method for installing the protective frame includes: lifting the support module and the beam shaping body fixed to the support module off the ground to a certain height; placing the lower cover plate on the bottom of the support module and aligning it with the lower cover plate; connecting the left and right cover plates to the lower cover plate respectively; using an adjustment device to make the beam shaping body and the support module fit the lower cover plate and the left and right cover plates; connecting the front and rear cover strips to the left and right cover plates respectively; and connecting the upper cover plate to the left and right cover plates. By providing the protective frame, the risk of the beam shaping body and the support module tipping over during loading or during transportation of the beam shaping body and its support module is reduced, and the frame-type structure further increases stability.

[0016] The neutron capture therapy system and the beam shaping body installation method thereof of the present invention have modular support structures, so that the beam shaping body can be locally adjusted to meet precision requirements, improve beam quality and meet target assembly tolerances; by providing a protective frame, the risk of the beam shaping body and its supporting module tipping over during filling materials or during transportation is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a neutron capture therapy system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of a beam shaping body support module of a neutron capture therapy system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a beam shaping body support module;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram at section AA;

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a beam shaper of a neutron capture therapy system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a protection frame of a neutron capture therapy system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the protection frame in another direction;

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the left side cover of the protective frame;

[0025] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the left cover in the other direction;

[0026] Figure 10 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a support member of a protective frame;

[0027] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of an adjustment member of a beam shaping body support module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the adjusting member in the other direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can implement the invention with reference to the description.

[0030] like Figure 1 The neutron capture therapy system in this embodiment is preferably a boron neutron capture therapy system 100, comprising a neutron generator 10, a beam shaper 20, a collimator 30 and a treatment table 40. The neutron generator 10 comprises an accelerator 11 and a target material T. The accelerator 11 accelerates charged particles (such as protons, deuterons, etc.) to generate a charged particle line P such as a proton line. The charged particle line P irradiates the target material T and reacts with the target material T to generate a neutron line (neutron beam) N. The target material T is preferably a metal target material. The appropriate nuclear reaction is selected based on the required neutron yield and energy, the energy and current of the accelerated charged particles that can be provided, the physical and chemical properties of the metal target and other characteristics. Commonly discussed nuclear reactions include 7 Li(p,n) 7 Be and 9 Be(p,n) 9B, both reactions are endothermic reactions. The energy thresholds of the two nuclear reactions are 1.881MeV and 2.055MeV, respectively. Since the ideal neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy is epithermal neutrons at the keV energy level, theoretically, if protons with energies just slightly above the threshold are used to bombard a lithium metal target, relatively low-energy neutrons can be produced, which can be used clinically without much slowing down. However, the cross-sections of lithium metal (Li) and beryllium metal (Be) targets with protons at the threshold energy are not high. To generate a sufficiently large neutron flux, higher-energy protons are usually selected to trigger the nuclear reactions. The ideal target should have a high neutron yield, a neutron energy distribution close to the epithermal neutron energy region (described in detail below), no excessive strong penetrating radiation, be safe, cheap, easy to operate, and resistant to high temperatures. However, in reality, it is impossible to find a nuclear reaction that meets all these requirements. In the embodiments of the present invention, a target made of lithium metal is used. However, it is well known to those skilled in the art that the material of the target T can also be made of metal materials other than lithium and beryllium, such as tantalum (Ta) or tungsten (W); the target T can be in the shape of a disk, or other solid shapes, or a liquid (liquid metal). The accelerator 11 can be a linear accelerator, a cyclotron, a synchrotron, or a synchrocyclotron, and the neutron generating device 10 can also be a nuclear reactor instead of an accelerator and a target. Regardless of whether the neutron source of boron neutron capture therapy comes from a nuclear reactor or a nuclear reaction between charged particles in the accelerator and the target, what is actually generated is a mixed radiation field, that is, the beam contains neutrons and photons ranging from low energy to high energy. For boron neutron capture therapy of deep tumors, in addition to epithermal neutrons, the more radiation content, the greater the proportion of non-selective dose deposition in normal tissues, so these radiations that cause unnecessary doses should be reduced as much as possible. In addition, for the normal tissues of the irradiated body, excessive amounts of various radiations should be avoided, which also causes unnecessary dose deposition.

[0031] The neutron beam N generated by the neutron generator 10 sequentially passes through the beam shaper 20 and collimator 30 and is irradiated toward the irradiated object 200 on the treatment table 40. The beam shaper 20 can adjust the beam quality of the neutron beam N generated by the neutron generator 10. The collimator 30 is used to focus the neutron beam N, ensuring high targeting accuracy during treatment. By adjusting the collimator 30, the direction of the beam and the positional relationship between the beam and the irradiated object 200 on the treatment table 40 can be adjusted. The positions of the treatment table 40 and the irradiated object 200 can also be adjusted to align the beam with the tumor cells M within the irradiated object 200. These adjustments can be performed manually or automatically via a series of control mechanisms. It is understood that the present invention can also be implemented without a collimator, with the beam directly irradiating the irradiated object 200 on the treatment table 40 after exiting the beam shaper 20.

[0032] The beam shaper 20 further includes a reflector 21, a retarder 22, a thermal neutron absorber 23, a radiation shield 24, and a beam outlet 25. Since the neutrons generated by the neutron generator 10 have a wide energy spectrum, in addition to epithermal neutrons that meet treatment needs, it is necessary to minimize the content of other types of neutrons and photons to avoid harm to the operator or the irradiated object. Therefore, the neutrons emitted from the neutron generator 10 need to pass through the retarder 22 to adjust the fast neutron energy (>40keV) to the epithermal neutron energy range (0.5eV-40keV) and minimize the thermal neutrons (<0.5eV). The retarder 22 is made of a material with a large cross-section for interaction with fast neutrons and a small cross-section for interaction with epithermal neutrons. As a preferred embodiment, the retarder 22 is made of at least one of D2O, AlF3, Fluental, CaF2, Li2CO3, MgF2, and Al2O3; the reflector 21 surrounds the retarder 22. The retarder 22 is made of a material with strong neutron reflection ability, and reflects neutrons that diffuse around through the retarder 22 back to the neutron beam N to improve the utilization rate of the neutrons. As a preferred embodiment, the reflector 21 is made of at least one of Pb or Ni; a thermal neutron absorber 23 is provided at the rear of the retarder 22, and is made of a material with a large cross-section for interacting with thermal neutrons. As a preferred embodiment, the thermal neutron absorber 23 is made of Li-6. The thermal neutron absorber 23 is used to absorb thermal neutrons that pass through the retarder 22 to reduce the content of thermal neutrons in the neutron beam N and avoid excessive dose to shallow normal tissues during treatment; the radiation shielding body 24 is used to shield neutrons and photons that leak from the part other than the beam outlet 25. The material of the radiation shielding body 24 includes at least one of a photon shielding material and a neutron shielding material. As a preferred embodiment, the material of the radiation shielding body 24 includes lead (Pb) as a photon shielding material and polyethylene (PE) as a neutron shielding material. The collimator 30 is disposed behind the beam exit 25. The epithermal neutron beam exiting the collimator 30 irradiates the irradiated object 200, and after passing through shallow normal tissue, is slowed down to thermal neutrons before reaching the tumor cells M. It will be appreciated that the beam shaping body 20 may have other configurations as long as the epithermal neutron beam required for treatment is obtained.

[0033] After the irradiated body 200 takes or is injected with a boron-containing (B-10) drug, the boron-containing drug selectively accumulates in the tumor cells M. Then, the boron-containing (B-10) drug has a high capture cross section for thermal neutrons. 10 B(n,α) 7 Li neutron capture and nuclear fission reaction production 4 He and 7The average energy of the two charged particles is about 2.33MeV, with high linear energy transfer (LET) and short range. The linear energy transfer and range of α short particles are 150keV / μm and 8μm respectively. 7 The Li heavy-charged particles are 175keV / μm and 5μm, and the total range of the two particles is approximately equivalent to the size of a cell. Therefore, the radiation damage caused to the organism can be limited to the cellular level, achieving the purpose of locally killing tumor cells without causing too much damage to normal tissues.

[0034] In this embodiment, a radiation shielding device 50 is further provided between the irradiated object 200 and the beam outlet 25 to shield the radiation from the beam exiting the beam outlet 25 to the normal tissue of the irradiated object. It is understandable that the radiation shielding device 50 may not be provided.

[0035] The boron neutron capture therapy system 100 is entirely housed in a concrete building. Specifically, the boron neutron capture therapy system 100 includes an irradiation chamber 101 and a charged particle beam generation chamber 102. An irradiated object 200 on a treatment table 40 undergoes neutron beam N irradiation therapy in the irradiation chamber 101. The charged particle beam generation chamber 102 at least partially houses the accelerator 11. The beam shaper 20 is at least partially housed within a partition 103 separating the irradiation chamber 101 and the charged particle beam generation chamber 102. It is understood that the partition 103 can completely separate the irradiation chamber 101 from the charged particle beam generation chamber 102, or it can partially separate the irradiation chamber 101 and the charged particle beam generation chamber 102, so that the irradiation chamber 101 and the charged particle beam generation chamber 102 are interconnected. There can be one or more targets T, and the charged particle beam P can selectively interact with one or more targets T, or simultaneously interact with multiple targets T, to generate one or more therapeutic neutron beams N. Depending on the number of targets T, there may be one or more beam shapers 20, collimators 30, and treatment tables 40. Multiple treatment tables may be arranged in the same irradiation room, or a separate irradiation room may be provided for each treatment table.

[0036] The irradiation chamber 101 and the charged particle beam generation chamber 102 are spaces surrounded by concrete walls W (including partition walls 103). The concrete structure can shield neutrons and other radiation leaked during the operation of the boron neutron capture therapy system 100. Figure 2, the beam shaper 20 is supported by a support module 60 disposed within the partition wall 103. A receiving groove 1031 for at least partially accommodating the support module 60 is provided on the side of the partition wall 103 close to the irradiation chamber 102, and a groove 1032 for the transmission tube of the accelerator, etc. to pass through is provided on the side close to the charged particle beam generation chamber 101. Thus, the receiving groove 1031 and the groove 1032 penetrate the partition wall in the neutron beam N transmission direction. In this embodiment, the wall surface of the partition wall 103 is a plane, and the neutron beam N transmission direction is perpendicular to the wall surface of the partition wall 103. The support structure is modular, enabling local adjustment of the beam shaper to meet accuracy requirements, improve beam quality, and satisfy the assembly tolerance of the target. In a plane perpendicular to the neutron beam N transmission direction, the cross-sectional profile of the support module 60 is located between the cross-sectional profiles of the receiving groove 1031 and the groove 1032, thereby avoiding a through-gap in the beam transmission direction, further reducing radiation, and facilitating adjustment of the support module 60. In this embodiment, the support module 60 is a cuboid as a whole, and the cross-sections of the receiving groove 1031 and the groove 1032 perpendicular to the neutron beam N transmission direction are both "冂"-shaped, and the side walls of the receiving groove 1031 and the groove 1032 are parallel to the neutron beam N transmission direction. A shielding plate 70 is further provided on the side of the partition wall 103 close to the irradiation chamber 102. The shielding plate 70 can enhance the shielding effect of the partition wall and suppress the secondary radiation generated by the partition wall, thereby avoiding radiation to the normal tissues of the patient. In a plane perpendicular to the neutron beam N transmission direction, the shielding plate 70 can match the cross-sectional profile of the support module 60 to shield the neutrons leaking from between the support module and the partition wall. The shielding plate is a PE plate. It can be understood that shielding plates can also be provided on the side of the partition wall 103 close to the charged particle beam generation chamber 102 and on the side of the support module 60 close to the irradiation chamber 101. The shielding plate can be made of other neutron or photon shielding materials such as lead, or the shielding plate can also be not provided.

[0037] Combined with Figure 3-Figure 4The support module 60 comprises concrete and a reinforcement 61 (described in detail below) at least partially embedded within the concrete. Concrete has low tensile strength and is prone to cracking, while the beam shaping body is highly sensitive to deformation, requiring the support structure to possess sufficient rigidity. Therefore, the reinforcement embedded within the concrete increases rigidity, improves tensile strength, and enhances load-bearing capacity. The reinforcement material has an elastic modulus of no less than 40 GPa, an ultimate strength of no less than 200 MPa, and a yield strength of no less than 100 MPa. Because neutrons are generated within the beam shaping body, the surrounding material is most activated. Therefore, the reinforcement material is composed of elements with a small cross-section for neutron interaction or with short half-lives (less than one year) of radioactive isotopes produced by neutron activation. For example, at least 90% (by weight) of the reinforcement material is composed of at least one of the following: C, H, O, N, Si, Al, Mg, Li, B, Mn, Cu, Zn, S, Ca, and Ti. In this embodiment, the reinforcement is at least partially made of aluminum alloy. Aluminum has a short half-life of only 2.2 minutes after neutron activation. In contrast, in traditional reinforced concrete structures, the iron, cobalt, and nickel elements found in the steel bars have longer half-lives after neutron activation. For example, the half-life of cobalt-60 is 5.27 years. The use of aluminum alloy significantly reduces the radioactivity derived from neutron activation within a limited timeframe. This not only effectively suppresses the dose from secondary radiation, but also facilitates future equipment removal. The reinforcement can further be made of aluminum-magnesium alloy, carbon fiber composite, glass fiber composite, or a combination thereof.

[0038] The reinforcement portion 61 comprises a template 611 and ribs 612 disposed between the templates, with the template 611 and ribs 612 fixedly connected. The template 611 comprises a lower template 6111, a left template 6112 and a right template 6113 disposed on either side of the lower template 6111, and a circular template 6114 surrounded by the lower and left and right templates. The template 611 is constructed of aluminum alloy and serves as an anchor plate for the ribs 612. In this embodiment, the beam shaping body 20 is generally cylindrical. It will be appreciated that when the beam shaping body is constructed in other shapes, the circular template can be replaced with a template of a different design. The ribs 612 comprise horizontal transverse ribs 6121, horizontal longitudinal ribs 6122, and vertical ribs 6123. These ribs are distributed within the concrete at predetermined intervals in the horizontal, vertical, and concrete thickness directions between the circular template and the left and right templates, as well as the lower template. The spacing is determined based on the specific situation and is shown schematically in the figure. The ribs are also constructed of aluminum alloy. In this embodiment, the horizontal transverse reinforcement 6121 is welded and anchored to the left and right templates 6112, the right template 6113, and the circular template 6114. The vertical reinforcement 6123 is welded and anchored to the lower template 6111, the circular template 6114, and the horizontal transverse reinforcement 6121. The horizontal longitudinal reinforcement 6122 is welded and anchored to the horizontal transverse reinforcement 6121 and the vertical reinforcement 6123. It is understood that the templates and reinforcements may be arranged in other ways, and the welding sequence and process may be performed according to other methods known to those skilled in the art. Other fixing methods may also be used.

[0039] During construction, front and rear formwork (not shown) must be erected. The front, rear, and upper sides of support module 60 do not require anchoring, so traditional wooden formwork is used. Concrete is poured into the accommodating cavity formed between lower formwork 6111, left formwork 6112, right formwork 6113, and circular formwork 6114, along with the front and rear formwork. No formwork is installed on the upper side to facilitate monitoring of the concrete during construction. Once the concrete is poured, the upper side is leveled with a plate. After the concrete is poured and cured, the front and rear formwork are removed, completing support module 60. In this embodiment, beam shaping body 20 is placed within support module 60, with its outer wall mating with the inner surface of circular formwork 6114. To constrain the beam shaping body 20's forward and backward translational and rotational degrees of freedom, the beam shaping body 20 is fixedly connected to the support module 60. For example, threaded holes are provided in the circular template 6114, and corresponding holes are provided on the outer wall of the beam shaping body 20 (e.g., the outer wall of the beam shaping body 20 support frame 20a, as described below). The beam shaping body 20 and the circular template 6114 are then bolted together. It is understood that other connection methods may also be used. Before pouring concrete, the threaded holes in the circular template 6114 are filled with plastic protective sleeves to prevent concrete from leaking out of the holes and protect the threads. To ensure the density of the concrete beneath the circular template, an opening can be opened below the front or rear template, and concrete can be poured through this opening. After the concrete is poured and cured, the plastic protective sleeves covering the threaded holes in the circular template 6114 are removed, and the beam shaping body is placed in the receiving cavity formed on the inner surface of the circular template 6114. The beam shaping body 20 and the support module 60 are then bolted together. It is understood that the construction process may also be carried out in other ways well known to those skilled in the art.

[0040] After the beam shaping body 20 and the support module 60 are processed, they need to be transported to the partition wall 103. The beam shaping body 20 can be installed on the support module 60 and then transported together, or the beam shaping body 20 and the support module 60 can be transported to the partition wall 103 separately and then the beam shaping body 20 can be installed on the support module 60. Figure 5 In this embodiment, the beam shaping body 20 includes a support frame 20a and a main body 20b (including a reflector 21, a retarder 22, a thermal neutron absorber 23, a radiation shield 24, etc.) filled in the support frame 20a. The main body 20b can be at least partially filled into the support frame 20a first, and then the support frame 20a of the beam shaping body 20 is fixed to the support module 60; or the support frame 20a of the beam shaping body 20 is first fixed to the support module 60, and then the main body 20b is filled into the support frame 20a. In one embodiment, due to the size and shape restrictions of the retarder or the installation accuracy requirements, the special shape part (such as the retarder 22) is first filled into the support frame 20a. Figure 5The retarder 22 and / or reflector 21 (e.g., the portion with a non-rectangular cross-sectional shape in the beam shaping body) are filled into the support frame 20a and encapsulated (e.g., by end plates 20c). The support frame 20a of the beam shaping body 20 is then secured to the support module 60. The remaining portion of the main body 20b is then filled into the support frame 20a and encapsulated. The beam shaping body 20 and the support module 60 are then transported together to the partition wall 103 and installed in the accommodating cavity 1031. During this process, the beam shaping body 20 and its concrete support module 60 are relatively heavy and have a high center of gravity, posing a risk of tipping over during transportation. Therefore, a protective frame 80 (described in detail below) is provided, within which the support module 60 and the beam shaping body 20 secured to the support module 60 are placed for transportation. At the same time, before filling at least a portion of the main body 20b, especially the heavier portion (such as the lead block serving as the reflector 21 and at least a portion of the radiation shield 24), the support module 60 and the beam shaping body 20 secured thereto can be placed within the protective frame 80. This can be done before filling this portion of the main body 20b. This prevents tipping during the filling of the main body 20b. After the beam shaping body 20 and support module 60 are transported to the partition wall 103, the protective frame 80 can be removed.

[0041] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 The protective frame 80 is a rectangular parallelepiped, including an upper cover plate 81, a lower cover plate 82, a left cover plate 83, a right cover plate 84, a front cover strip 85, and a rear cover strip 86. The protective frame 80 forms an integral housing for the beam shaping body 20 and the support module 60. The top, bottom, left, right, front, and back dimensions are consistent with those of the support module 60. The upper and lower cover plates 81 and 82 are flat plates, respectively disposed at the ends of the left and right cover plates 83 and 84, and are detachably connected thereto. Figure 8 and Figure 9In one embodiment, first flanges 831 extending leftward are provided at the upper and lower ends of the left cover plate 83, and second flanges 841 extending rightward are provided at the upper and lower ends of the right cover plate 84. First and second threaded holes S1 and S2 are provided on the first and second flanges 831 and 841, respectively. The left and right edges of the upper and lower cover plates 81 and 82 are flush with the ends of the first and second flanges 831 and 841, respectively. Third and fourth threaded holes S3 and S4 are provided on the upper and lower cover plates 81 and 82 at positions corresponding to the first and second threaded holes S1 and S2, respectively. Bolts pass through the threaded holes to connect the upper and lower cover plates 81 and 82 to the left and right cover plates 83 and 84, respectively. A front cover strip 85 and a rear cover strip 86 are detachably connected to the left and right cover plates 83 and 84, respectively. The number and shape of the front and rear cover strips 85 and 86 can be adjusted according to actual conditions. In one embodiment, there are two front cover strips 85 and two rear cover strips 86, and the cross-sections of the front and rear cover strips 85 and 86 are parallel to the plate surfaces of the left and right cover plates 83 and 84, and are rectangular and extend straightly in the left and right directions. The left cover plate 83 is provided with a first boss 832 extending to the left on the edge in the front and rear directions, and the right cover plate 84 is provided with a second boss 842 extending to the right on the edge in the front and rear directions (not shown). The number of the first and second bosses 832 and 842 corresponds to the total number of the front and rear cover strips 85 and 86, respectively. Fifth and sixth threaded holes S5 and S6 are respectively provided on the first and second bosses 832 and 842. The left edges of the front and rear cover strips 85 and 86 are flush with the end of the first boss 832, and the right edges of the front and rear cover strips 85 and 86 are flush with the end of the second boss 842. Seventh and eighth threaded holes S7 and S8 are provided on the front and rear cover strips 85 and 86 at positions corresponding to the fifth and sixth threaded holes S5 and S6. Bolts pass through the threaded holes to connect the front and rear cover strips 85 and 86 to the left and right cover plates 83 and 84, respectively. The number of bolts and threaded holes is not critical; they only need to meet the connection strength requirements.

[0042] Combine Figure 10The protective frame 80 may also be provided with support members 87 to further prevent the beam shaping body and its supporting module from tipping over and increase stability. In one embodiment, there are four support members 87, which are respectively provided at the bottom of the left and right side cover plates 83 and 84. Two connecting portions 833 and 843 extend from the front and rear bottom edges of the left and right side cover plates 83 and 84 in the forward and rearward directions, respectively. The support members 87 are detachably connected to the left and right side cover plates 83 and 84 through the connecting portions 833 and 843, respectively. The lower surface of the connecting portions 833 and 843 is flush with the lower surface of the lower cover plate 82 after installation. The lower surface of the support member 87 is also flush with the aforementioned lower surface after installation, to ensure that the support surface of the protective frame 80 is on the same plane and has a larger support surface. The use of a detachable connection allows the support member to be removed when interference occurs during transportation, which increases the convenience of use. The support member can be installed or removed at any time. In one embodiment, threaded holes are respectively provided at corresponding positions of the support member 87 and the connecting parts 833 and 843, and bolts pass through the threaded holes to connect the support member 87 and the left and right side cover plates 83 and 84. It can be understood that other detachable connection methods can also be used, and the support member 87 and the left and right side cover plates 83 and 84 can also be integrated.

[0043] The protective frame 80 is also provided with lifting lugs 88 for lifting the protective frame 80 and thereby transferring the protective frame 80, the beam shaping body 20 within the protective frame 80, and its supporting module 60. For example, a crane can use the lifting lugs 88 to place the protective frame 80, the beam shaping body 20 within the protective frame 80, and its supporting module 60 on a vehicle for transport to the partition wall 103. The lifting lugs 88 can have various forms, numbers, and positions. In one embodiment, the lifting lugs 88 are bosses with through holes extending leftward and rightward from the center of the upper portions of the left and right side cover plates 83 and 84, respectively. Each left and right side cover plates 83 and 84 has two lifting lugs. The lifting lugs 88 can be integral with or fixedly connected to the left and right side cover plates 83 and 84.

[0044] It is understood that the protective frame can have other configurations depending on the shape and size of the beam shaping body and support modules. The protective frame is constructed of steel, using Q235 low-carbon steel for its high strength and rigidity. It is understood that other materials are also possible. The protective frame features a detachable connection, a clever structure, and the frame-like construction provides increased stability, reducing the risk of tipping over during loading or during transportation of the beam shaping body and its support modules.

[0045] The installation method of the protection frame 80 is as follows:

[0046] 1. Using the adjustment member 62 provided on the support module 60 and the adjustment device acting on the adjustment member 62 (described in detail below), the support module 60 and the beam shaping body 20 fixed to the support module 60 are lifted off the ground to a certain height;

[0047] 2. Place the lower cover 82 on the bottom of the support module 60 and align it with it;

[0048] 3. Connect the left and right cover plates 83 and 84 to the lower cover plate 82 respectively;

[0049] 4. Use the adjustment device to ensure that the beam shaping body 20 and its supporting module 60 are in perfect contact with the lower cover plate 82 and the left and right side cover plates 83 and 84;

[0050] 5. Connect the front and rear cover strips 85 and 86 to the left and right cover plates 83 and 84 respectively;

[0051] 6. Connect the upper cover 81 to the left and right side covers 83 and 84.

[0052] It is understandable that there is no order for the above steps 5 and 6. When the main body needs to be installed after the support frame is installed, the side cover strips in step 5 can also be connected to the left and right side cover plates after the main body is filled and packaged.

[0053] Then adjust the position of the support module 60 and the beam shaping body 20, Figure 11-12 A detachably connected adjustment member 62 is provided on the support module 60. An adjustment device, such as a jack (not shown), acts on the adjustment member 62 to adjust the position of the support module 60 and the beam shaper 20, allowing the beam shaper 20 to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the central axis of the beam shaper 20 substantially coincides with the central axis of the accelerator's transfer tube; in the second position, the central axis of the beam shaper 20 does not coincide with the central axis of the accelerator's transfer tube. This improves the degree of coincidence between the center of the beam shaper and the center of the beam line, allowing the target to fit into the central hole of the beam shaper. The adjustment member 62 is located on the lower side of the support module 60 facing the irradiation chamber 101. It is understood that it can also be located elsewhere. Alternatively, the adjustment member can be located on the beam shaper, directly driving the beam shaper for position adjustment. Because the jack acts on the adjustment member with a concentrated force, torsion bars can be installed at corresponding locations on the reinforcement 61 to increase strength. In this embodiment, the adjusting member 62 is an L-shaped bracket having a first side plate 621 and a second side plate 622 perpendicular to each other. The first side plate 621 is fixed to the lower part of the side wall of the supporting module 60 facing the irradiation chamber 101 by bolts, etc. The jack acts on the second side plate 622. The adjusting member 62 also includes a reinforcing rib 623 connecting the first and second side plates to increase strength. The bracket is constructed of steel plates. It can be understood that other structures or other materials can also be used.

[0054] After adjustment, the support module 60 is fixed (for example, a steel plate is placed in the gap between the support module and the floor, and the support module is fixed to the floor with bolts, etc., and a baffle is fixed in the area of ​​the partition wall near the upper end of the support module to further prevent the support module from tipping over). A shielding member (not shown) is filled between the partition wall 103, the support module 60, and the beam shaper 20 to maintain the position of the support module and the beam shaper and prevent radiation from passing through the gap between the partition wall and the support module. The shielding material includes at least one of a photon shielding material and a neutron shielding material. It can be a rigid solid cut to a suitable size, such as lead, lead-antimony alloy, Teflon, graphite, paraffin, PE, PE containing boron carbide, lithium carbonate, or lithium fluoride, PMMA (acrylic), or PMMA containing boron carbide, lithium carbonate, or lithium fluoride. It can also be a powder filled in a rigid or flexible container cut to a suitable size, such as boron carbide, lithium carbonate, or lithium fluoride powder. It can also be a liquid filled in a rigid or flexible container cut to a suitable size, such as water, heavy water, or boric acid dissolving boron carbide, lithium carbonate, or lithium fluoride powder. It can also be a flexible solid, such as rubber or silicone. Adjustment member 62 can be removed, and shielding plate 70 can be installed to shield the shielding body, further reducing radiation.

[0055] The boron neutron capture therapy system 100 may also include a preparation room, a control room, and other spaces for auxiliary treatment. Each irradiation room can be equipped with a preparation room for preparatory work such as securing the irradiated subject to the treatment table, injecting boron drugs, and simulating treatment plans before irradiation treatment. A connecting passage is provided between the preparation room and the irradiation room. After the preparation work is completed, the irradiated subject can be directly pushed into the irradiation room or automatically entered into the irradiation room via a track controlled by a control mechanism. The control room is used to control the accelerator, beam transmission unit, treatment table, etc., and to control and manage the entire irradiation process. Managers can also monitor multiple irradiation rooms simultaneously from the control room.

[0056] The concrete wall in this embodiment is made of boron-containing barite concrete with a thickness of at least 1 meter and a density of 3 g / cc. Boron-containing concrete has improved neutron absorption properties, enhancing the radiation shielding effect of concrete while also reducing neutron exposure to metal materials within the concrete. It is understood that the concrete wall can have other thicknesses or densities or be made of other materials, and the thickness, density, or material of the concrete wall can vary across different sections. It is understood that the present invention can also be applied to other types of neutron irradiation systems and other radiation irradiation systems, in which case the neutron generator can be replaced with another radiation generator, and the materials of the concrete and support modules can be modified as needed.

[0057] Although the above describes the illustrative specific embodiments of the present invention to facilitate understanding of the present invention by those skilled in the art, it should be clear that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, as long as various changes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims, these changes are obvious and are within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

Claims

1. A neutron capture therapy system comprising a neutron generator and a beam shaper, wherein the beam shaper adjusts the beam quality of the neutron beam generated by the neutron generator, and further comprising a concrete wall forming a space for accommodating the neutron generator and the beam shaper, wherein: A support module is disposed within the concrete wall. The support module is capable of supporting the beam shaping body and is used to adjust the position of the beam shaping body. The support module includes concrete and a reinforcement portion at least partially disposed within the concrete. The reinforcement portion includes a formwork and ribs disposed between the formwork, with the formwork and ribs fixedly connected. The support module is formed by pouring concrete. The beam shaping body is accommodated in a housing cavity formed by the support module. The beam shaping body is fixedly connected to the support module. The neutron capture therapy system further includes a protective frame for accommodating the beam shaping body and the support module. The protective frame is used for transporting or installing the beam shaping body and the support module.

2. The neutron capture therapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective frame includes an upper cover plate, a lower cover plate, a left cover plate, a right cover plate, a front cover strip, and a rear cover strip. The upper and lower cover plates are respectively arranged at the two ends of the left and right cover plates and are detachably connected thereto. The front and rear cover strips are respectively detachably connected to the left cover plate and the right cover plate. The material of the protective frame is low carbon steel.

3. The neutron capture therapy system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The protection frame is further provided with a support member, which is detachably connected to the left and right side cover plates. The lower surface of the support member after installation is on the same plane as the lower surface of the lower cover plate after installation.

4. The neutron capture therapy system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The protective frame is also provided with a lifting lug, which is used to lift the protective frame to transfer the protective frame and the beam shaping body and support module inside the protective frame. The lifting lug is a boss with a through hole extending to the left and right respectively from the middle position of the upper part of the left and right side cover plates.

5. The neutron capture therapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beam shaping body comprises a support frame and a main body filled in the support frame, wherein the main body is at least partially filled in the support frame first, and then the support frame of the beam shaping body is fixed to the support module; Alternatively, the support frame of the beam shaping body is first fixed to the support module, and then the main body is filled into the support frame.

6. A method for installing a beam shaper for a neutron capture therapy system, characterized in that: include: fixing a support frame of the beam shaping body to a support module supporting the beam shaping body, wherein the support module comprises concrete and a reinforcement portion at least partially disposed within the concrete, the reinforcement portion comprises a formwork and ribs disposed between the formwork, the formwork and the ribs being fixedly connected, the support module being formed by pouring concrete, the beam shaping body being accommodated in a receiving cavity formed by the support module, and the beam shaping body being fixedly connected to the support module; filling at least a portion of the main body of the beam shaping body into the support frame; Placing the beam shaping body and the supporting module as a whole in a protective frame and transporting them to the installation wall; removing the protective frame; adjusting the positions of the beam shaping body and the support module; The supporting module is fixed and a shielding body is filled between the mounting wall and the supporting module.

7. The method for installing a beam shaper for a neutron capture therapy system according to claim 6, wherein: Before the support frame of the beam shaping body is fixed to the support module, at least a portion of the main body is filled into the support frame and encapsulated; after the support frame of the beam shaping body is fixed to the support module, the remaining portion of the main body is filled into the support frame and encapsulated.

8. The method for installing a beam shaper for a neutron capture therapy system according to claim 6, wherein: The entirety of the support module and the beam shaping body fixed to the support module is placed into the protective frame before at least part of the body portion is filled.

9. The method for installing a beam shaper for a neutron capture therapy system according to claim 6, wherein: The positions of the support module and the beam shaping body are adjusted by an adjusting member provided on the support module and an adjusting device acting on the adjusting member. The installation method further includes installing a shielding plate to shield the shielding body and removing the adjusting member before installing the shielding plate.

10. A method for installing a protective frame, wherein the protective frame is used for transporting or installing a beam shaping body and a support module supporting the beam shaping body, the protective frame comprising an upper cover plate, a lower cover plate, a left cover plate, a right cover plate, and a front cover strip and a rear cover strip, wherein: include: The support module and the beam shaping body fixed to the support module are separated from the ground to a certain height, wherein the support module comprises concrete and a reinforcement portion at least partially disposed within the concrete, the reinforcement portion comprises a formwork and ribs disposed between the formwork, the formwork and the ribs being fixedly connected, the support module is formed by pouring concrete, the beam shaping body is accommodated in a receiving cavity formed by the support module, and the beam shaping body is fixedly connected to the support module; Place the lower cover plate on the bottom of the support module and align it with it; Connecting the left and right cover plates to the lower cover plate respectively; The beam shaping body and the supporting module are fitted to the lower cover plate and the left and right side cover plates by means of an adjusting device; Connecting the front and rear cover strips to the left and right cover plates respectively; Connect the upper cover plate to the left and right cover plates.

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