Radiation therapy system

Abstract

A radiation therapy system includes a treatment bay having an internal treatment room and a beam delivery system including a particle accelerator for generating a radiation beam. The beam delivery system is carried by the treatment bay and the particle accelerator is external to the bay, the system being configured to deliver the radiation beam to the treatment room. The beam delivery system including the accelerator is movable about the treatment bay so as to adjust the position of the radiation beam relative to the treatment room. The motion of the beam delivery system is balanced. The treatment bay and the beam delivery system can be moved together so as to service a plurality of waiting rooms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a radiotherapy system. In particular, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a hadron beam therapy system. Background Technology

[0002] The use of charged particles (such as protons and ions) to treat cancer and other diseases is known, but currently extremely expensive. The main cost drivers for proton and ion beam therapy are the proton and ion accelerators and the beam delivery systems, which typically require very large gantry cranes and large, often multi-story buildings. The gantry cranes themselves require highly advanced engineering and have low production volumes, making them expensive. The placement of treatment rooms often occupies a large area, further increasing the overall cost. Single-treatment-room systems have also been proposed, but these also require large buildings with complex gantry cranes and are relatively expensive due to providing only one treatment room. Particle accelerators can weigh over 100 tons, exceeding the lifting capabilities of modern robots; therefore, particle accelerators are often stationary during operation, with the radiation beam delivered to the treatment room by a beam delivery system consisting of a relatively long delivery line terminating at a delivery nozzle. The building footprint is determined by the length and shape of the beam line feeding each treatment room, which needs to be shielded along its entire length. Furthermore, the beam always bends to reach its destination, complicating the system, increasing costs, and reducing efficiency. Additionally, given the relatively long time required to set up equipment and organize patients themselves, it is difficult to use radiation equipment effectively with conventional treatment systems. Therefore, regrettably, the benefits of proton therapy, in particular, are overshadowed by the relatively high cost of traditional hospital facilities.

[0003] It is desirable to provide a radiation therapy system that alleviates at least some of the aforementioned problems and makes hadron therapy cheaper than conventionally available methods. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention is to provide a radiotherapy system comprising:

[0005] Treatment chambers with internal treatment rooms; and

[0006] Includes the beam delivery system for particle accelerators used to generate radiation beams.

[0007] The beam delivery system is carried by the treatment chamber and configured to deliver the radiation beam to the treatment room.

[0008] Furthermore, the beam delivery system is movable relative to the treatment chamber to adjust the position of the radiation beam relative to the treatment room.

[0009] Preferably, the beam delivery system is movable, capable of moving at least partially and optionally completely around the treatment chamber and treatment area, preferably by means of a track. The beam delivery system is preferably rotatable about the axis of the treatment chamber, preferably the longitudinal axis of the treatment chamber.

[0010] Preferably, the particle accelerator is located outside the treatment chamber.

[0011] In a typical embodiment, the beam delivery system includes a beam delivery nozzle, and the beam delivery nozzle is located inside the treatment chamber.

[0012] The treatment chamber typically comprises a hollow main structure defining the treatment room, with the beam delivery system carried by the main structure. Preferably, the beam delivery system is connected to the treatment chamber, conveniently connected to the main structure, with the particle accelerator located outside the main structure and the beam delivery nozzle extending through the main structure. The main structure may include a solid sleeve-like wall extending around the longitudinal axis of the treatment chamber.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the main structure includes a rotatable portion to which the beam delivery system is connected, and wherein, typically, the main structure includes first and second end portions, the rotatable portion being located between the first and second end portions and rotatable relative to the first and second end portions.

[0014] Typically, the treatment chamber has a first end and a second end, one or both of which are open to provide an entrance to the treatment room.

[0015] Advantageously, the treatment chamber includes a counterbalance, preferably located outside the chamber, arranged to counterbalance the movement of the beam delivery system relative to the treatment chamber. The counterbalance is preferably arranged to counterbalance the rotational movement of the beam delivery system about an axis of rotation, preferably the longitudinal axis of the treatment chamber. The counterbalance is preferably rotatable together with the beam delivery system around the treatment chamber and is preferably positioned opposite the beam delivery system relative to the axis of rotation.

[0016] The balancing element can be connected to the main structure, preferably to the rotatable part of the main structure, and preferably located outside the main structure.

[0017] Optionally, the balancing component includes a second beam delivery system comprising a second particle accelerator for generating a second radiation beam and configured to deliver the second radiation beam into the treatment chamber, wherein the second particle accelerator is preferably located outside the chamber.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a plurality of waiting rooms, with the treatment chamber aligned with or movable to be aligned with each of the waiting rooms to allow access to the treatment room from each waiting room. The treatment chamber and the beam delivery system can move together as a single component. Advantageously, the waiting rooms are arranged in at least a pair of opposing waiting rooms, the pair or each pair of waiting rooms being spaced apart by their respective, opposing doorways, and wherein the treatment chamber may be located between the pair or each pair of waiting rooms to allow access to the treatment room from any of the respective waiting rooms.

[0019] In some embodiments, there are a pair of opposing waiting rooms, with the treatment chamber located between and aligned with each waiting room. In other embodiments, there are multiple pairs of opposing waiting rooms, and the treatment chamber is movable to align with any one of the pairs of waiting rooms. The multiple pairs of waiting rooms may be arranged to define a common passage between the opposing waiting rooms, and the treatment chamber is located in the passage and movable along the passage. The multiple pairs of waiting rooms may be arranged in a linear array such that the common passage is linear. The multiple pairs of waiting rooms may be arranged such that the common passage is circular or curved.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plurality of waiting rooms are arranged in a linear, circular, or curved array, and the treatment chamber is movable to align with any of the waiting rooms to allow access to the treatment room from each waiting room.

[0021] In some embodiments, the system includes a transport device for moving the treatment chamber to align with any one or any two waiting rooms arranged opposite each other.

[0022] Optionally, the waiting rooms are arranged on multiple floors, and the system includes a lifting device for moving the treatment chamber between the multiple floors.

[0023] In some embodiments, the system includes a compartment or other housing structure for accommodating a treatment chamber supported above the floor of the compartment to provide space below the treatment chamber for accommodating a particle accelerator as the beam delivery system rotates. The compartment typically provides the passageway.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the system further includes a radiation shielding structure that at least partially surrounds the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system. The radiation shielding structure may include a top shielding portion positioned to provide radiation shielding above the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system; first and second side shielding portions positioned to provide radiation shielding on opposite sides of the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system, respectively; and first and second end shielding portions positioned to provide radiation shielding at opposite ends of the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system, respectively.

[0025] Preferably, the radiation shielding structure surrounds the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system at least from above, on opposite sides, and at opposite ends.

[0026] Preferably, the radiation shielding structure includes at least one doorway aligned with a corresponding doorway of the treatment chamber, each doorway having a corresponding doorway at least partially formed of radiation shielding material.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a system that may be the same as or similar to the system of the first aspect, except that the beam delivery system may be any other type of therapeutic delivery system, not necessarily a particle or hadron therapeutic system, and therefore does not necessarily include a particle accelerator.

[0028] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a system that may be the same as or similar to the system of the first or second aspect, except that the beam delivery system may be in a fixed position relative to the treatment chamber.

[0029] Although embodiments of the invention are described herein in the context of a radiotherapy system having a beam delivery system including a particle accelerator for generating a radiation beam, the invention can optionally be used with other beam delivery systems that do not include a particle accelerator, and may instead include means for generating other types of beams (e.g., ultrasound beams). Alternatively, the beam delivery system may be replaced by an alternative patient treatment system or patient scanning system (e.g., an MRI scanner or a CT scanner).

[0030] Other advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description of specific embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Brief description of the attached diagram

[0032] Embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same numbers are used to denote the same parts and wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a first perspective view of a radiotherapy system embodying one aspect of the invention, in which some components of the system are shown transparent so as not to obstruct the view of other components;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A second perspective view of a radiotherapy system;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A third perspective view of a radiotherapy system;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a radiotherapy system;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An end cross-sectional view of a radiotherapy system;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a first view of the waiting room and treatment rooms; each room is... Figure 1 Part of a radiotherapy system;

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Second view of the waiting room and treatment room;

[0040] Figure 8 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the radiotherapy system according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 End section view of the system; and

[0042] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional plan view of the system;

[0043] Detailed description of the attached figures

[0044] Now, please refer specifically to the attached diagram. Figures 1 to 5The diagram illustrates a radiotherapy system embodying one aspect of the invention, generally designated 10. System 10 includes a radiation beam delivery system 12 and can be described as an external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) system. The beam delivery system 12 includes a particle accelerator 16. The particle accelerator 16 can include any suitable conventional particle accelerator, such as a linear accelerator, cyclotron, synchrotron, synchrotron, or laser-based accelerator, and generates a radiation beam (not shown) for patient treatment, particularly tumor radiotherapy. The radiation beam typically includes ionizing radiation. The nature of the radiation beam depends on the radiation source (not shown) used with the particle accelerator 16. In a preferred embodiment, the radiation source includes a proton source. Thus, the radiation beam includes a proton beam and system 10 can be described as a proton therapy system. Alternatively, the radiation source can include other suitable particles, particularly but not exclusively charged particles, such as ions (e.g., carbon ions, helium ions, or neon ions), atoms, photons, or other subatomic particles (e.g., electrons, alpha particles, beta particles, negative pie mesons, or neutrons), or any particles suitable for particle therapy or hadron therapy. Therefore, in alternative embodiments, the radiation beam may include, for example, an ion beam, an electron beam (especially a relativistic electron beam), a neutron beam, a photon beam, a gamma-ray beam, or an X-ray beam. The radiation source may be incorporated into or connected to the particle accelerator 16 in any convenient conventional manner.

[0045] Particle accelerator 16 has an output device, typically including nozzle 24, for delivering a radiation beam to the radiation target, namely patient 26 (see [link to product description]). Figure 6 and 7 Nozzle 24 can be configured to bend, scan, focus, or otherwise manipulate the radiation beam at the delivery point, and for this purpose may include one or more bending, scanning, and / or focusing magnets (and / or other beamforming and / or beam manipulation and / or energy selection components (if needed)) for energy selection, bending, scanning, and / or focusing of the radiation beam at the delivery point as needed. Optionally, nozzle 24 may extend in its longitudinal direction. Nozzle 24 may include any conventional radiotherapy beam delivery nozzle. Typically, nozzle 24 is fixed relative to particle accelerator 16 so that it moves with particle accelerator 16. In a preferred embodiment, there is no beam delivery system between particle accelerator 16 and nozzle 24, particularly no beam delivery system that bends the radiation beam between particle accelerator 16 and nozzle 24. This can be achieved by aligning nozzle 24 with the particle beam generated by accelerator 16. This arrangement simplifies beam delivery system 12, reduces cost, and improves reliability. As we will see, in a preferred embodiment, positioning the particle beam relative to patient 26 involves moving the entire accelerator 16, and thus moving nozzle 24.

[0046] System 10 includes a treatment structure or treatment chamber 20, shaped and sized to define an internal treatment room 22 for receiving a patient 26. The term "chamber" is intended to include any structure, typically including a shell or cavity, shaped and sized and / or otherwise configured to define an internal treatment room 22 for receiving a patient. Treatment chamber 20 includes a hollow main structure 28 defining the treatment room 22. Preferred main structure 28 includes a solid sleeve-like wall extending about a longitudinal (or end-to-end) axis of chamber 20 and surrounding the treatment room about the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, main structure 28 may be open or partially open, such as a cage-like structure or a frame including openings or partial openings. The longitudinal or end-to-end axis of chamber 20 generally corresponds to the longitudinal or end-to-end axis of room 22. At least one longitudinal end 29A, 29B of main structure 28 is open to provide access to treatment room 22 for patients, medical personnel, and / or equipment as needed. As needed, ends 29A, 29B, or each end 29A, 29B, may be fully open or have defined doorway openings. Ends 29A, 29B, or each end 29A, 29B, may optionally include one or more closable doors to allow or prevent entry into room 22 via the respective end 29A, 29B. Thus, one or both ends 29A, 29B of compartment 20 may serve as the entrance and exit of room 22. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends 29A, 29B are open. Alternatively, one end 29A, 29B may be closed by a wall or other solid structure. The main structure 28, or at least a portion thereof, may be substantially cylindrical in shape, but may alternatively take any other desired shape. The main structure 28 may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, or composite material. Optionally, the main structure 28 may be formed of or covered with a radiation shielding material.

[0047] The beam delivery system 12 is carried by the treatment chamber 20 and arranged to deliver a radiation beam to the treatment room 22, particularly toward the treatment position within the room 22. Specifically, a nozzle 24 (at least its delivery end) is located within the treatment room 22 and is arranged to guide the particle beam into the treatment room 22, particularly toward the treatment position within the room 22. In use, a patient support device is located at the treatment position, and the patient supported by it is aimed at the nozzle 24 to receive particle beam therapy. The nozzle 24 is preferably arranged to deliver the radiation beam radially into the room 22, i.e., toward a central point or axis, such as the central longitudinal axis or end-to-end axis of the room 22 or chamber 20. Advantageously, the particle accelerator 16 is located outside the treatment chamber 20. In a preferred embodiment, the beam delivery system 12 is mounted on or otherwise connected to the main structure 28, preferably with the particle accelerator 16 located outside the main structure 28 and the nozzle 24 extending through the main structure 28 such that its delivery endpoint is located within the treatment room 22. Alternatively, the chamber 20 may include a support structure (not shown) that may be separate from the main structure 28 for supporting the beam delivery system 12, and particularly for supporting the particle accelerator 16 outside the main structure 28. In any case, the beam delivery system 12, including the particle accelerator 16, is carried by the chamber 20.

[0048] Advantageously, the beam delivery system 12, including the particle accelerator 16, is movable relative to the chamber 20, particularly relative to the treatment chamber 22. This allows for adjustment of the position, preferably the orientation, of the radiation beam relative to the treatment chamber 22, especially relative to the treatment position. A preferred arrangement allows the beam delivery system 12 to move at least partially and optionally completely around the chamber 20 and around the treatment chamber 22, preferably in a track manner, and particularly around the treatment position within the treatment chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the particle accelerator 16 is correspondingly movable around the exterior of the treatment chamber 22. The nozzle 24 is correspondingly movable around the interior of the treatment chamber 22. A preferred arrangement allows the nozzle 24 (and particularly its delivery end) to move within the treatment chamber 22 around the treatment position, preferably along an arcuate or circular path. The beam delivery system 12 can be connected to the chamber 20, preferably to the main structure 28, via any conventional coupling mechanism that allows the beam delivery system 12 to move relative to the chamber as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the beam delivery system 12 is movable in a single plane around the chamber 20, but in alternative embodiments it can rotate around the chamber 20 in more than one plane.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the beam delivery system 12 is rotatable about an axis of the chamber 20. This axis is spaced apart from the beam delivery system 12, and particularly the particle accelerator 16, such that the rotation has an orbital nature. Preferably, the axis of rotation is the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20 or treatment room 22, or other end-to-end axis, preferably a central longitudinal axis or end-to-end axis. Preferably, the beam delivery system 12 is rotatable about the axis by 360°. However, the beam delivery system 12 can rotate any angle up to 360° about the axis depending on the requirements of the application. Accordingly, the nozzle 24 can be aimed at the patient from any direction up to 360° about the axis. In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement is such that as the beam delivery system 12 rotates, the particle accelerator 16 rotates about the outside of the chamber 20, while the nozzle 24 correspondingly rotates about the inside of the chamber 20 within the treatment room 22.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the beam delivery system 12 is connected to an annular portion 28C of the main body structure 28, which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the chamber 12. The beam delivery system 12 can be mounted on the rotatable portion 28C such that it rotates together with the rotatable portion 28C. The rotatable portion 28C can be located between the first and second non-rotatable ends 28A, 28B of the main body structure 28 and can rotate relative to them. The rotatable portion 28C can be connected to each end 28A, 28B by any conventional rotatable coupling mechanism 27, which may include, for example, a slewing bearing. In a preferred embodiment, the particle accelerator 16 is mounted on the outside of the rotatable main body portion 28C, and the nozzle 24 extends through the rotatable main body portion 28C such that its beam delivery end is located inside the main body portion 28C.

[0051] The beam delivery system 12 can be mounted on the rotatable main body 28C using any conventional mounting method. In the illustrated embodiment, the particle accelerator 16 is mounted on the outer surface of the main body 28C via one or more supports 25A, 25B. The particle accelerator 16 can be fixed relative to the main body 28C. Alternatively, the particle accelerator 16 can rotate relative to the main body 28C about a central axis of the accelerator 16 that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20. For example, the accelerator 16 can be fixedly or rotatably mounted between the supports 25A, 26B as needed.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the entire main structure 28 can rotate relative to the main portion 28C as described above. In this case, the beam delivery system 12 can be connected to the main structure 28 to rotate with the main structure 28 relative to the main portion 28C as described above. In such an embodiment, the chamber 20 may include a support structure for the main structure 28, which is rotatably connected to the support structure via any conventional rotary coupling mechanism to allow rotation about the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20. Alternatively, the main structure 28 may be stationary and the beam delivery system 12 may be movable about the main structure 28, and thus about the treatment chamber 22. In such an embodiment, the chamber 20 may include a support structure for the beam delivery system 12, which is movably connected to the support structure via any conventional coupling mechanism to allow the beam delivery system 12 to move about the main structure 28, and thus about the treatment chamber 22.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the chamber 20 includes a floor structure 30 located within the main structure 28, providing a floor for the treatment room 22. The floor structure 30 is fixed relative to the chamber 20 such that when the beam delivery system 12 moves, it moves relative to the floor structure 30, and thus relative to the treatment room 22. The floor structure 30 may be supported by ends 28A, 28B of the main structure 28 or any other convenient support structure. According to an embodiment, all or part 28C of the main body portion may be rotatable relative to the floor structure 30.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the beam delivery system 12 about the chamber 20 is balanced. The preferred treatment chamber 20 includes a balancing member 32 arranged to balance the beam delivery system 12 relative to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20 or other axis about which it can rotate or pivot. In a preferred embodiment, the balancing member 32 counteracts the rotational movement of the beam delivery system 12 about the chamber 32, particularly about the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20. The mass and position of the balancing member 32 provide a balancing torque relative to the axis of rotation applied to the beam delivery system 12, conveniently the longitudinal axis of the chamber 12. This facilitates the rotation of the beam delivery system 12 because the driving force required to rotate the beam delivery system 12 is less than that required without balancing. It should be noted that a precise balancing torque is preferred, but the balancing member 32 does not need to precisely balance the beam delivery system 12.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the counterweight 32 is rotatable together with the beam delivery system 12 about the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20, and is preferably positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20 and the beam delivery system 12. Therefore, the beam delivery system 12 and the counterweight 32 may be radially spaced 180°, or approximately 180°, about the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20. In a preferred embodiment, the counterweight 32 is mounted or otherwise connected to the main structure 28, and is preferably located outside the main structure 28. In a preferred embodiment, the counterweight 32 is mounted on the rotatable portion 28C, so that it rotates together with the rotatable portion 28C. In the illustrated embodiment, the counterweight 32 is mounted on the outer surface of the main portion 28C by one or more supports 31A, 31B. In a typical embodiment, substantially all the weight of the beam delivery system 12 is provided by the particle accelerator 16, so it can be said that the counterweight 32 acts as a counterweight to the particle accelerator 16. Typically, the counterweight 32 is located outside the chamber 20, opposite the particle accelerator 16 relative to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20.

[0056] The balancing element 32 may comprise any convenient object or an object of suitable mass. Optionally, the balancing element 32 may comprise a second beam delivery system (not shown), which may be the same as or similar to the beam delivery system 12 and may be connected to the treatment chamber 20 in the same or similar manner. In particular, the balancing element 32 may comprise a particle accelerator of the second beam delivery system. The particle accelerator of the second beam delivery system may be of the same type as the particle accelerator 16 of the first beam delivery system 12, or it may be a different type, i.e., capable of providing the same or different types of treatment. Providing a second beam delivery system allows patients in the treatment chamber 22 to be treated simultaneously or sequentially through either or both beam delivery systems as needed, and allows patients to receive two different types of treatment at the same treatment time. The first and second beam delivery systems are radially spaced about the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20, preferably spaced 180°, or approximately 180° apart. This spacing allows treatment of the patient from correspondingly different directions through corresponding nozzles 24. Furthermore, this spacing allows one or the other of the nozzles 24 to rotate 360° around the longitudinal axis from any direction, without either beam delivery system needing to rotate more than 180°. Therefore, optionally, the rotation of the beam delivery system around the longitudinal axis can be limited to 180°, or approximately 180°.

[0057] More broadly, in alternative embodiments (not shown), two or more beam delivery systems may be connected to the treatment chamber 20, radially spaced apart about the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20. The beam delivery systems preferably have corresponding balancing elements, optionally as one or more pairs of balancing elements for the beam delivery systems as described above. Each beam delivery system may be the same as or similar to beam delivery system 12 and may be connected to the treatment chamber 20 in the same or similar manner as described above.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment chamber 20 includes at least one drive mechanism for moving the beam delivery system 12 around the chamber 20, which typically involves rotating the beam delivery system 12 about the longitudinal axis of the chamber 20. The drive mechanism can take any suitable conventional form. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive mechanism 34 is connected between one of the rotatable body portion 28C and the end portion 28B, and is arranged to rotate the body portion 28C relative to the end portion 28B. In this example, the drive mechanism 34 includes a motor 34A mounted on the rotatable body portion 28C, and a rotatable drive head 34B connected to the end portion 28A, whereby rotation of the drive head 34B causes the rotatable body portion 28C to rotate relative to the end portion 28B.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the radiotherapy system 10 includes a compartment structure 60 or other shell structure, typically an architectural structure, for accommodating the treatment chamber 20. Preferably, the treatment chamber 20 is supported above the floor 61 of the compartment 60 by any convenient conventional support device to provide sufficient space below the treatment chamber 20 for accommodating the particle accelerator 16 and / or the balancing element 32 when the beam delivery system rotates.

[0060] The preferred radiotherapy system 10 includes multiple waiting rooms 14. The preferred arrangement of the system 10 is such that patients 26 ( Figure 6 and 7 Patients can be transferred directly from any of the waiting rooms 14 to the treatment room 22. Each waiting room 14 has a doorway 17 and optionally a door 19 for opening and closing the doorway 17. In embodiments where the waiting room 14 has a door 19, the opening ends 29A, 29B of the cabin 20, or each of the opening ends 29A, 29B, do not require doors, but may have doors (not shown) if needed. In embodiments where the ends 29A, 29B of the cabin 20, or each of the ends 29A, 29B, have doors, the doorway 17 of each waiting room 14 does not require a door, but may have a door 19 if needed. The door 19 and / or the door provided on the cabin 20 (when present) may include radiation shielding.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment chamber 20 is open to allow a user to enter from each end 29A, 29B, and the waiting rooms 14 are arranged in one or more opposing pairs 14A, 14B. These pairs of waiting rooms 14A, 14B, or each pair of waiting rooms 14A, 14B, are spaced apart, their respective doors 17 facing each other and preferably aligned. The spacing between the opposing waiting rooms 14A, 14B is sufficient to allow the treatment chamber 20 to be located between opposing rooms 14A, 14B, with one end 29A facing one of the waiting rooms 14A and the other end 14B facing the other waiting room 14B. When the treatment chamber 20 is located between opposing waiting rooms 14A, 14B, the open end 29A is aligned with the door 17 of waiting room 14A, and the open end 29B is aligned with the door 17 of waiting room 14B. The preferred arrangement (e.g., the relative length of the compartment 20 and the gap between the waiting rooms 14A, 14B) is such that the respective compartment openings and the waiting room doorway 17 are adjacent to each other, so that there is a direct passage through the respective compartment ends 29A, 29B between the respective waiting rooms 14A, 14B and the treatment room 22.

[0062] In one embodiment, system 10 has a pair of waiting rooms 14A, 14B, and treatment chamber 20 is statically installed between them as described above.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment chamber 20 is movable relative to the treatment room 14, so that, depending on the configuration of the system 10, it can be aligned with one or two treatment rooms 14 at a time. In a preferred embodiment, and as... Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the embodiment, the treatment chamber 20 is movable, so that it can be aligned with any pair of opposing treatment chambers 14A, 14B. When aligned with a pair of treatment chambers 14A, 14B, the chamber 20 is positioned between them as described above, allowing access to the treatment chamber 22 from any of the waiting chambers 14A, 14B with which it is aligned.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, three pairs of opposing waiting rooms 14A, 14B are shown, but in alternative embodiments there may be more or fewer pairs of opposing waiting rooms 14A, 14B. The pairs of opposing waiting rooms 14A, 14B are preferably arranged in a linear array to define a common linear passage 63 extending between all pairs of opposing waiting rooms 14A, 14B. The compartment 20 is located in the linear passage 63 and is movable along the linear passage 63 such that it can be aligned with any one of the opposing pairs of waiting rooms 14A, 14B. In a preferred embodiment, the shape and size of the compartment 60 are designed to provide the linear passage 63, with the opposing waiting rooms 14A, 14B positioned along opposite sides of the passage 63. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), multiple waiting rooms 14 may be arranged along only one side of the passage 63, and the compartment 20 may be movable along the passage 63 to align with only one waiting room 14 at a time; in this case, the other end of the compartment 20 can be closed. Alternatively, one or more waiting rooms 14 may be provided on each side of the passageway 63, but they need not be arranged in opposite pairs. In this case, the cabin 20 can only be aligned with one waiting room 14 at a time.

[0065] The passageway 63 need not necessarily be linear. In alternative embodiments, compartment 60 may be shaped to define a circular, semi-circular, or otherwise curved passageway (not shown). In any case, one or more waiting rooms 14 may be arranged along one or both sides of the passageway 63, and compartment 20 may move along the passageway 63 to align with one or two waiting rooms at a time. Where waiting rooms 14 are arranged on both sides of the passageway 63, they are preferably arranged in opposing pairs such that compartment 20 can be aligned with two waiting rooms simultaneously.

[0066] The treatment chamber 20 can be moved along the channel 63 by any conventional conveying device. In a typical embodiment, the conveying device includes a bracket 64 on which the treatment chamber 20 is mounted. The bracket 64 can be of any conventional type, such as including wheels, rollers, slides, or tracks, whichever is convenient. The compartment 60 may include one or more tracks 66 along which the bracket 64 can travel. In the illustrated embodiment, corresponding tracks 66A, 66B extend along each side of the channel 63. The bracket 64 may include first and second portions 64A, 64B, each for one of the tracks 66A, 66B. The tracks 66A, 66B are preferably located above the floor level of the compartment 60, such that the bracket 64 supports the chamber 20 above the floor level of the compartment 60. Thus, the conveying device can conveniently provide support for supporting the treatment chamber 20 above the floor 61 of the compartment 60 to provide sufficient space below the treatment chamber 20 to accommodate the particle accelerator 16 and / or the balancing element 32 when the beam delivery system 12 rotates. One or more drive mechanisms 68 may be provided for moving the bracket 64 along the channel 63. The drive mechanism 68 may be any suitable conventional type.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), any other suitable transport device may be used to move the treatment chamber 20 relative to the waiting room 14. For example, the transport device may include a movable gantry, or a gantry crane, or a cantilever, or an arrangement of linear actuators, such as hydraulic actuators.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), compartment 60 need not define a passageway for the movement of cabin 20 thereal. For example, compartment 60 may comprise a room around which cabin 20 may be moved by any suitable conveying device. A plurality of waiting rooms 14 may be arranged around the outside of the compartment, and cabin 20 may be moved around the compartment to align with any of the waiting rooms 14 at a time. The room may be circular, or at least have curved walls, such that the waiting rooms 14 are arranged in a circular or arcuate pattern around the compartment. Cabin 20 may be carried by a rotatable support configured to move cabin 20 from one waiting room to another. For example, one end of cabin 20 may be cantilevered or boomed to the support, such that rotation of the support causes the other end of cabin to move in an arcuate or circular pattern from one waiting room to another.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, waiting room 14 is configured as a single floor or a single level. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), waiting room 14 may be provided as a multi-level structure. Therefore, treatment chamber 20 may be carried by a lifting device for raising and lowering chamber 20 between floors. Any conventional lifting device can be used for this purpose. The arrangement of compartments and waiting rooms on each floor may be the same as or similar to any arrangement described above.

[0070] Waiting rooms 14 and cubicles 60 are typically located within building structures, such as hospitals or clinics.

[0071] Now for special reference Figure 6 and 7 The figure shows the interior of a typical waiting room 14. It should be understood that specific equipment and furnishings are shown as examples only. Waiting room 14, aligned with treatment chamber 20 and door 19, opens to allow access between waiting room 14 and treatment room 22.

[0072] At least one patient support device 38 is provided, preferably at least one for each waiting room 14. The patient support device 38 can take any conventional form, typically including a chair, sofa, platform, or bed, for accommodating the patient 26. Preferred support devices 38 provide at least one of the following configurations and can operate between any two or more of the following configurations: a standing configuration (wherein it supports the patient in a standing position), a sitting configuration (wherein it supports the patient in a sitting position), a fully reclining configuration (wherein it supports the patient in a fully reclining position), and one or more semi-reclining configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the patient support device 38 includes a platform on which the patient 26 can lie flat. Figure 6 In the image, platform 38 is shown as being supported on trolley 39.

[0073] The preferred system 10 includes at least one actuation device 40 for moving the patient support device 38 (e.g., between the waiting room 14 and the treatment room 22) Figure 7 (As shown). The actuation device 40 is preferably operable to move the patient support device 38 to a treatment position in the treatment room 22, where the beam delivery system 12 or the nozzle 24 of each beam delivery system 12 can direct its beam to the patient 26.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation device 40 is disposed in the treatment room 22 and operable to extend from the treatment room 22 into the waiting room 14 to access the patient support device 38. Alternatively, the patient support device 38 may be integrally formed with the actuation device 40, and the actuation device may be operable to extend from the treatment room 22 into the waiting room 14 to access the patient 26. These arrangements allow the door between the treatment room 22 and the waiting room 14 to be closed during treatment. In a preferred embodiment where the chamber 20 is accessible from both ends 29A, 29B, a corresponding actuation device 40 (with or without an integral patient support device) may be provided for each end 29A, 29B, such as... Figure 6 and 7 As shown. Alternatively, the actuation device 40 may be located in the waiting room 14 and operable to extend into the treatment room 22. In an alternative embodiment, the actuation device may be omitted and the patient support device 38 may be installed in the treatment room 22, preferably at the treatment position.

[0075] The actuation device 40 can be configured in any conventional manner to achieve the desired mobility of the patient support device 38. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuation device 40 includes a hinged arm 44. Typically, the actuation device 40 is power-operated, for example by one or more power-operated actuators (not shown), which can be conveniently electrically or hydraulically operated, and can be linear or rotary as needed.

[0076] When in the treatment position, it is preferable that the patient support device 38 is adjustable to adjust the position of the patient 38 relative to the nozzle 24. In a preferred embodiment, the patient support device is operable to move the patient 26 linearly along any one or more of the three orthogonal Cartesian axes, and / or rotate the patient 26 about any one or more of the three orthogonal Cartesian axes. The supported movement can be achieved by the patient support device 38 itself and / or conveniently by the actuation device 40. Furthermore, the nozzle 24 can be moved relative to the treatment position, and thus relative to the patient 26, by means of the rotating beam delivery system 12 described above and / or by adjusting the nozzle 24.

[0077] When in the treatment position, this facilitates a wide range of relative angles and positions of the delivered radiation beam relative to the patient support device. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustability of the patient support device 38 and / or the beam delivery system 12, individually or together, enables precise and highly adjustable delivery of the radiation beam to the target area of ​​the treatment position in up to six Cartesian dimensions (x, y, z, θ, φ, ψ) of the radiation beam. Particularly preferably, the radiation beam can be aimed at the target area in 3D. Advantageously, the adjustability of the beam delivery system 12 is configured to provide isocentric delivery of the radiation beam to the target area (which, in use, coincides with the patient on the associated patient support device 38). Advantageously, during use, the relative position and angle of the system 10 can be adjusted to achieve isocentric irradiation of the target area. Advantageously, the system 10 enables substantially complete 3D isocentric irradiation of the patient, suitable for intensity-modulated therapy or spot scanning. Radiation beam scanning around at least one, and preferably two, vertical axes (e.g., a vertical axis and a horizontal axis extending transversely to the room) can be conveniently supported by incorporating a scanning magnet in nozzle 24.

[0078] The system 10 embodying the present invention typically includes a control system (not shown), which may be located in a separate room. The control system may include devices for controlling and monitoring any aspect of system 10 and may take any suitable conventional form, typically including suitable programming computing devices. The control system typically includes devices for controlling and / or monitoring the operation of any one or more of the beam delivery system 12 (including its rotation and beam delivery), cabin delivery device, actuator 40, patient support device 38, and door 19 (as applied). The control system may include components of an imaging system (e.g., scanner, visual display unit, and user interface device) for controlling and / or monitoring the operation of system 10. The imaging system may include any one or more of an MRI system, PET system, SPECT system, or CT system. The control system may be configured to control any one or more components of system 10 jointly or separately.

[0079] During use, the control system can acquire treatment information about the waiting room 14 to be served. This treatment information typically includes the beam delivery carrier and dosage information for aiming the beam at the target area. The control system aligns the chamber 20 with the corresponding waiting room and positions the particle accelerator 16 (including nozzle 24) at the desired location and / or orientation determined according to the treatment information, i.e., to deliver the radiation beam at the desired delivery carrier. 3D aiming of the radiation beam can be performed by a laser, ensuring that the radiation beam always irradiates the target area as needed.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the control system includes one or more devices (e.g., a camera and / or motion sensors and / or pressure sensors) for detecting patient movement when the patient is on the patient support device 38. The control system can be configured to reposition one or more components of system 10, particularly one or more components of beam delivery system 12, using any detected movement of the patient to ensure the radiation beam is correctly aimed at the patient; that is, during use, beam delivery automatically tracks any detected movement of the patient. Optionally, if any detected movement exceeds a threshold level, the control system can be configured to stop treatment.

[0081] The advantage of the balanced beam delivery system 12 is that it allows the particle accelerator 16 to be moved easily in the manner described, which is beyond the capabilities of conventional robots, since particle accelerators can weigh between 100 and 200 tons and are therefore traditionally deployed statically.

[0082] Providing nozzle 24 at particle accelerator 16 without an intermediate beam delivery system is advantageous because it avoids or reduces beam degradation and associated residual radiation that may be caused by bending magnets and other components of the beam delivery system. Furthermore, the absence of long beamlines or two-dimensional gantry reduces system maintenance, energy requirements, size, scale, and cost compared to conventional systems.

[0083] Providing one or more beam delivery systems 12 on the cabin 20, which can serve multiple waiting rooms 14, enables the efficient use of the treatment room 22, especially because multiple patients can be prepared to receive treatment at the same time and the waiting treatment room 22 becomes available.

[0084] Figures 8 to 10 Another radiotherapy system 110 embodying the present invention is shown. Radiotherapy system 110 is similar to radiotherapy system 10, using the same numbers to denote the same components and applying the same or similar descriptions, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Figures 8 to 10A preferred radiation shielding configuration embodying the present invention is shown. System 110 includes a radiation shielding structure 170 surrounding or at least partially surrounding the treatment chamber 20 and the beam delivery system 12, and is accordingly shaped and sized. The preferred radiation shielding structure 170 has a top shielding portion 172 positioned to provide radiation shielding over the treatment chamber 20 and the beam delivery system 12; first and second side shielding portions 174, 176 positioned to provide radiation shielding on opposite sides of the treatment chamber 20 and the beam delivery system 12, respectively; and first and second end shielding portions 178, 180 positioned to provide radiation shielding at opposite ends of the treatment chamber 20 and the beam delivery system 12, respectively. The radiation shielding structure 170 may be box-shaped, for example, substantially rectangular in both transverse and longitudinal sections. The preferred configuration is such that the radiation shielding structure 170 surrounds the treatment chamber 20 and the beam delivery system 12 at least from above, on opposite sides, and at opposite ends. In the illustrated embodiment, the shielding structure 170 has an opening at its bottom, below the treatment chamber 20 and the beam delivery system 12. Alternatively, the radiation shielding structure 170 may include a bottom portion positioned to provide radiation shielding below the treatment chamber 20 and the beam delivery system 12.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment where the components of the treatment chamber 20 and the beam delivery system 12 are movable, the radiation shielding structure 170 moves with the components. The delivery device 64 may be embedded within, surrounded by, or conveniently located outside the structure 170.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the radiation shielding structure 170 includes doorways 182A, 182B aligned with each doorway of the treatment chamber having corresponding doors 184A, 184B (i.e., doorways at ends 29A, 29B in the illustrated embodiment). Doors 184A, 184B are at least partially formed of radiation shielding material, making them usable as part of the radiation shielding structure 170. For example, doorways 182A, 182B and doors 184A, 184B can be incorporated into the corresponding ends 178, 180 of the shielding structure 170. Conveniently, doors 184A, 184B serve as doors to the chamber structure 20 and therefore do not require additional doors at ends 29A, 29B.

[0087] The radiation shielding structure 170 can be formed from any suitable conventional radiation shielding material, such as polyethylene, boronized polyethylene, concrete, and water.

[0088] The advantage of radiation shielding structure 170 is that it does not require radiation shielding throughout the compartment structure 60 or other structures surrounding the component, and means that each waiting room 14 does not need to have its own radiation shielding door.

[0089] Although embodiments of the invention are described herein in the context of a radiotherapy system having a beam delivery system including a particle accelerator for generating a radiation beam, the invention can optionally be used with other beam delivery systems that do not include a particle accelerator, and may instead include means for generating other types of beams (e.g., ultrasound beams). Alternatively, the beam delivery system may be replaced by an alternative patient treatment system or patient scanning system (e.g., an MRI scanner or a CT scanner).

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but can be modified or improved without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A radiotherapy system, comprising: A treatment chamber comprising a hollow main structure defining an internal treatment room, the chamber having a first end and a second end, one or both ends providing an entrance to the treatment room; and Includes the beam delivery system for particle accelerators used to generate radiation beams. The beam delivery system is carried by the treatment chamber and configured to deliver the radiation beam to the treatment room. Furthermore, the beam delivery system is movable relative to the treatment chamber via at least one drive mechanism to adjust the position of the radiation beam relative to the treatment room. Furthermore, the system also includes multiple waiting rooms, and the treatment chamber, together with the beam delivery system, is movable to align with each of the waiting rooms to allow access to the treatment chamber from each waiting room via the first end or the second end.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the beam delivery system is movable and can move at least partially and optionally completely around the treatment chamber and around the treatment room.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beam delivery system is rotatable about the end-to-end axis of the treatment chamber.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the particle accelerator is located outside the treatment chamber.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the beam delivery system includes a beam delivery nozzle, and wherein the beam delivery nozzle is located inside the treatment chamber.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the beam delivery system is supported by a main structure.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the beam delivery system is connected to the treatment chamber, the particle accelerator is located outside the main structure, and the beam delivery nozzle extends through the main structure into the treatment chamber.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the main structure comprises a solid sleeve-shaped wall extending about an end-to-end axis of the cabin.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the main structure includes a rotatable portion, the beam delivery system is connected to the rotatable portion, and wherein the main structure includes first and second end portions, the rotatable portion being located between the first and second end portions and rotatable relative to the first and second end portions.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the treatment chamber includes a balancing element arranged to balance the movement of the beam delivery system relative to the treatment chamber, the balancing element being arranged to balance the rotational movement of the beam delivery system about a rotation axis.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the balancing element is rotatable around the cabin together with the beam delivery system.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the balancing element is connected to the main structure.

13. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the balancing element includes a second beam delivery system comprising a second particle accelerator for generating a second radiation beam and configured to deliver the second radiation beam into the treatment chamber.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the waiting rooms are arranged as at least a pair of opposing waiting rooms, the pair of waiting rooms or the respective waiting rooms in each pair of waiting rooms being spaced apart by their respective, opposing doorways, and wherein the treatment chamber may be located between the pair of waiting rooms or the respective waiting rooms in each pair of waiting rooms to allow entry into the treatment chamber from either of the respective waiting rooms.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein there is a pair of waiting rooms arranged opposite each other, and the treatment chamber is located between and aligned with each waiting room.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein there are multiple pairs of waiting rooms arranged opposite each other, and wherein the treatment chamber, together with the beam delivery system, is movable to align with any one of the pairs of waiting rooms.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein multiple pairs of waiting rooms are arranged to define a common passage between each pair of opposite waiting rooms, and wherein the treatment chamber is located in the passage together with the beam delivery system and is movable along the passage.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of waiting rooms are arranged in a linear array such that the common passage is linear, or wherein, The multiple pairs of waiting rooms are arranged such that the public passageway is circular or curved.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of waiting rooms are arranged in a linear, circular, or curved array, and the treatment chamber, together with the beam delivery system, is movable to align with any of the waiting rooms to allow access to the treatment chamber from each waiting room.

20. The system according to any one of claims 14, 16, 17, 18 and 19, further comprising a transport device for moving the treatment chamber together with the beam delivery system to align with any one or any two of the waiting rooms arranged opposite each other.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein the waiting room is arranged on multiple floors, the system including a lifting device for moving the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system between the floors.

22. The system of claim 1, further comprising a compartment for accommodating the treatment chamber, the treatment chamber being supported above the floor of the compartment to provide space below the treatment chamber for accommodating the particle accelerator when the beam delivery system rotates.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the compartment provides a passageway arranged between opposing waiting rooms of a plurality of pairs of waiting rooms, and wherein the treatment chamber is located in the passageway together with the beam delivery system and is movable along the passageway.

24. The system of claim 1, further comprising a radiation shielding structure at least partially surrounding the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the radiation shielding structure comprises a top shielding portion positioned to provide radiation shielding over the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system; first and second side shielding portions positioned to provide radiation shielding on opposite sides of the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system, respectively; and first and second end shielding portions positioned to provide radiation shielding at opposite ends of the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system, respectively.

26. The system of claim 24 or 25, wherein the radiation shielding structure surrounds the treatment chamber and the beam delivery system at least from above, on opposite sides and opposite ends.

27. The system of claim 24, wherein the radiation shielding structure includes at least one doorway aligned with a corresponding doorway of the treatment chamber, each doorway having a corresponding doorway at least partially formed of a radiation shielding material.

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