Single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system

Abstract

The invention discloses a single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system, and relates to the field of radiotherapy equipment. The system comprises a set of low-energy proton accelerator, an electromagnetic field steering part and two or more treatment rooms, wherein each treatment room is provided with a corresponding target material and a neutron moderation device. The method comprises the following steps of: guiding proton beams to respectively bombard a plurality of target materials to generate fast neutrons through an electromagnetic field steering part by utilizing the electrification characteristic of protons, moderating the fast neutrons into thermal neutrons (suitable for superficial tumors) or epithermal neutrons (suitable for deep tumors) through a neutron moderating device made of a hydrogen-containing or fluorine-containing moderating material, and guiding the thermal neutrons or epithermal neutrons to a corresponding treatment room. Through a single-source multi-beam architecture, multi-energy neutron beam output and multi-patient parallel treatment are realized on the basis of one set of accelerator, the treatment adaptation disease range is greatly expanded, the equipment cost and the occupied area are reduced, and the treatment flexibility and the equipment utilization rate are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radiotherapy equipment, and more particularly to a single-source, multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system. Background Technology

[0002] Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a treatment that uses boron-10 (B10) to capture boron neutrons within tumor cells. 10 B) Therapeutic techniques that capture neutrons and release alpha rays to destroy cancer cells rely on the precise control and stable output of the neutron beam energy. In existing technologies, boron neutron capture therapy systems typically employ a "single-source, single-beam" architecture, meaning one proton accelerator corresponds to one target material and one neutron moderator. Fast neutrons are generated by proton bombardment of the target material, then moderated by a single moderator material (such as hydrogen-containing or fluorine-containing materials), outputting a neutron beam (thermal or ultrathermal neutrons) with a fixed energy range, directed to a single treatment chamber. The neutron energy range of such systems is determined by the type of moderator material. If treating tumors at different depths (such as superficial melanomas and deep gliomas), or treating multiple patients simultaneously, multiple independent accelerators and supporting systems are required.

[0003] The aforementioned existing technologies have significant limitations: on the one hand, a single system can only output a single-energy neutron beam, failing to cover the diverse treatment needs of tumors ranging from superficial to deep layers, resulting in limited equipment functionality; on the other hand, parallel configuration of multiple systems significantly increases equipment costs, floor space, and maintenance complexity, and the utilization rate of each system is low, making it difficult to meet the demands for efficient and flexible treatment plans in clinical practice. Therefore, how to optimize the system architecture to achieve multi-energy neutron beam output and collaborative operation of multiple treatment rooms based on a single accelerator has become a key technical issue in improving the overall performance of boron neutron capture therapy systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system to solve one or more problems in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A single-source, multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system includes a low-energy proton accelerator, an electromagnetic field steering component, and two or more treatment chambers. Each treatment chamber has a target and a neutron moderator.

[0006] The electromagnetic field deflection section is located at the beam output end of the low-energy proton accelerator and is used to guide the proton beam output by the low-energy proton accelerator to bombard the two or more targets to generate fast neutrons.

[0007] Each of the target materials is provided with a corresponding neutron moderator at its rear end. The neutron moderator uses a hydrogen-containing moderator material or a fluorine-containing moderator material to moderate fast neutrons into neutron beams with different energy ranges through different moderator materials.

[0008] The neutron beams of different energy ranges are each independently directed to one or more treatment chambers.

[0009] Furthermore, the low-energy proton accelerator is used to provide a proton beam, including an ion source section, an accelerator section, a beam expander section, and a transport line section, and is capable of outputting a proton beam that meets the requirements for generating neutrons by bombarding a target.

[0010] Furthermore, the ion source portion includes H + Ion source or H - Ion source, H - An electron stripping device can be attached to the ion source.

[0011] Furthermore, the accelerator portion is an accelerator type suitable for boron neutron capture therapy, such as a cyclotron, a linear accelerator, or a vacuum-insulated tandem accelerator.

[0012] Furthermore, the beam expanding section can adapt the beam diameter to the target size and use an appropriate beam expanding method to ensure that the beam uniformly covers the target.

[0013] Furthermore, the transport line section is used to transmit the proton beam, is equipped with the necessary shielding structure to reduce stray radiation, and is equipped with relevant monitoring devices to monitor the beam status in real time.

[0014] Furthermore, the electromagnetic field steering section includes a two-pole electromagnet for guiding the proton beam toward different targets.

[0015] Furthermore, the target material is a solid fixed lithium target, and the target material is equipped with a cooling system.

[0016] Furthermore, the hydrogen-containing moderator material includes water, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene, which outputs a thermal neutron beam after moderation (suitable for superficial tumors); the fluorine-containing moderator material includes magnesium fluoride, calcium fluoride, aluminum fluoride, or polytetrafluoroethylene, which outputs a superthermal neutron beam after moderation (suitable for deep tumors).

[0017] Furthermore, the treatment room includes a horizontal treatment room and a vertical treatment room. The walls of the treatment room are made of concrete and lead composite shielding. A neutron dose equivalent rate monitor is installed in the treatment room, and the treatment room is equipped with a three-dimensional mobile treatment bed.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows: (i) By combining a low-energy proton accelerator with an electromagnetic field steering system, multiple targets, and multiple neutron moderators, this solution overcomes the limitation of "one accelerator corresponding to a single beam" in existing technologies, realizing a single-source, multi-beam tumor treatment mode. Existing technologies typically require independent accelerator systems for different energy neutron beams, while this solution guides the proton beam with an electromagnetic field to bombard multiple targets, combining different moderators (containing hydrogen or fluorine) to generate multi-energy neutron beams and directing them to multiple treatment chambers. This significantly improves equipment utilization, reduces overall system cost and floor space, and supports parallel treatment of multiple patients.

[0019] (II) By combining hydrogen-containing and fluorine-containing moderators, this approach achieves differentiated coverage of neutron energy, unlike existing technologies where a single moderator can only output a fixed-energy neutron beam. The hydrogen-containing material moderates fast neutrons into thermal neutrons (suitable for superficial tumors), while the fluorine-containing material moderates them into ultrathermal neutrons (suitable for deep tumors). Combined with multiple treatment chambers, the system can simultaneously meet the treatment needs of tumors at different depths, such as melanoma, glioma, and breast cancer, significantly expanding the range of therapeutic indications.

[0020] (III) Through the coordinated design of the electromagnetic field steering section and multiple targets and multiple moderation devices, this solution achieves rapid beam switching and precise guidance, which is superior to the complex structures in the prior art that rely on mechanical switching or multiple sources in parallel. The electromagnetic field steering section can guide the proton beam to bombard different targets in a time-sharing manner by adjusting the magnetic field strength and deflection angle. With the help of independent moderation devices, a neutron beam of specific energy is generated. The switching process is highly efficient and the beam loss rate is low, ensuring that multiple treatment rooms can be flexibly scheduled according to the needs of patients, thereby improving the continuity and response speed of the treatment process.

[0021] (iv) By combining the layout of horizontal and vertical treatment rooms with the guiding design of multi-energy neutron beams, this solution solves the problem of insufficient adaptability to treatment positions in existing technologies. The horizontal treatment room is suitable for tumors in the head, neck, and limbs, while the vertical treatment room is suitable for tumors in the chest and abdomen that require supine / prone positions. The two, together with a three-dimensional mobile treatment bed, can meet the positional needs of different tumor sites, improving the flexibility of treatment operations and patient comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the operation flow of the treatment system in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a single-source, dual-beam boron neutron capture therapy system; Figure 2In the middle, (1) is a low-energy proton accelerator, (2) is an electromagnetic field steering part, (3) is a BSA device using magnesium fluoride as a moderator material, (4) is a BSA device using polystyrene as a moderator material, (5) is a horizontal treatment chamber using superthermal neutrons, and (6) is a horizontal treatment chamber using thermal neutrons. Figure 3 It is a neutron moderator that uses magnesium fluoride as a moderator; Figure 4 It is a neutron moderator that uses polystyrene as a moderator. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary descriptions. It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., illustrated in the accompanying drawings are merely for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the implementation of this invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives achieved by this invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this invention.

[0024] Application Overview In the field of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), the industry routinely adopts a "single-source, single-beam" system architecture as a solution to address the treatment needs of tumors at different depths and clinical scenarios involving the simultaneous treatment of multiple patients. This involves a single low-energy proton accelerator paired with a single target, a neutron moderator, and a treatment chamber, forming an independent treatment unit: the proton accelerator outputs a proton beam that bombards the target to produce fast neutrons. After being moderated by a single moderator material (containing hydrogen or fluorine), a neutron beam (thermal or ultrathermal neutrons) with a fixed energy range is output and directed to the single treatment chamber to complete tumor treatment. If it is necessary to cover tumors at different depths from superficial to deep (such as melanoma and glioma), or to meet the needs of treating multiple patients simultaneously, two or more independent "accelerator-target-moderator-treatment chamber" systems are required, with functional expansion achieved through the parallel operation of multiple systems.

[0025] This conventional approach has significant shortcomings: First, it has functional limitations. A single system can only output a single-energy neutron beam, which cannot adapt to the differentiated treatment needs of superficial and deep tumors, resulting in a narrow range of applicability. Second, it wastes costs and resources. The parallel configuration of multiple systems requires repeated investment in core equipment such as accelerators and targets, which significantly increases the overall system cost, floor space, and maintenance difficulty. Moreover, a single system only serves one treatment room, resulting in low equipment utilization and easy idleness. Third, it lacks treatment flexibility. The independent operation of multiple systems lacks a collaborative scheduling mechanism, making it difficult to dynamically adjust beam allocation according to the number of patients and tumor type, thus failing to meet the clinical demand for efficient and flexible treatment processes.

[0026] A boron neutron capture therapy device based on a single-source multi-beam architecture achieves parallel output of neutron beams of different energies through a coordinated design of a low-energy proton accelerator, electromagnetic field steering, multiple targets, multiple moderation devices, and multiple treatment chambers, adapting to the diverse treatment needs of tumors from superficial to deep layers. Its overall structure includes a low-energy proton accelerator, an electromagnetic field steering section, target components, neutron moderation devices, and treatment chambers. These components are sequentially connected via beam transport paths to form a complete treatment process: the low-energy proton accelerator generates a proton beam, which is guided to different targets by the electromagnetic field steering section. The fast neutrons generated by bombarding the targets are then modulated by the neutron moderation devices and guided to the corresponding treatment chambers to complete tumor treatment.

[0027] I. Low-energy proton accelerator The low-energy proton accelerator is the source of the proton beam in the system, used to provide a proton beam with stable energy and intensity. It mainly consists of an ion source section, an accelerator section, a beam expander section, and a transport line section.

[0028] The ion source section is used to generate the initial proton beam, and H2O can be selected. + Ion source or H - Ion source, H - An electron stripping device can be added to the ion source to ensure the effective generation of the proton beam.

[0029] The accelerator section is used to increase the energy of the proton beam. It can employ technologies such as cyclotron accelerators, linear accelerators, or vacuum-insulated tandem accelerators to output a proton beam that meets the requirements for generating neutrons when bombarding a target.

[0030] The beam expander is used to adjust the proton beam to a cross-section that matches the target size, and the appropriate beam expander method ensures that the beam uniformly covers the target.

[0031] The transport line section is used to transmit the expanded proton beam to the electromagnetic field deflection section. It is equipped with necessary shielding structures to reduce stray radiation and related monitoring devices to monitor the beam status in real time.

[0032] II. Electromagnetic Field Direction Section The electromagnetic field deflection section is located at the beam output end of the low-energy proton accelerator. It guides the proton beam to bombard different targets, enabling single-source multi-beam switching. Its core component is a diode electromagnet, which ensures the stability of the beam path during deflection, providing a foundation for the subsequent generation of multi-energy neutron beams.

[0033] III. Target Material Components The target assembly is used to receive proton beams and generate fast neutrons, employing a solid-state fixed lithium target. To prevent overheating caused by proton bombardment, the target is equipped with a cooling system to ensure its structural stability during long-term operation.

[0034] IV. Neutron Moderator Each target has a corresponding neutron moderator (BSA) at its rear end, which uses different moderator materials to slow down fast neutrons into neutron beams with specific energy ranges. The moderator materials are divided into two categories: hydrogen-containing moderator materials and fluorine-containing moderator materials, which are suitable for the treatment needs of superficial and deep tumors, respectively.

[0035] After slowing down, it outputs a thermal neutron beam, which is suitable for the treatment of superficial tumors (such as melanoma).

[0036] Fluorine-containing moderators include magnesium fluoride, calcium fluoride, aluminum fluoride, and polytetrafluoroethylene. After moderation, they output superheated neutron beams, which are suitable for the treatment of deep tumors (such as glioma and breast cancer).

[0037] The slowing device adopts a modular design, and the slowing materials are connected by flanges, which makes it easy to change the material combination according to treatment needs.

[0038] V. Treatment Room Treatment rooms are used to receive neutron beams from neutron moderators and to perform tumor treatment. Two or more rooms are provided, including both horizontal and vertical treatment rooms, to accommodate the treatment needs of different patient positions.

[0039] The treatment room walls utilize a composite shielding structure, and a labyrinthine structure is incorporated at the door seams to further reduce radiation leakage. A neutron dose equivalent rate monitor is installed inside to ensure radiation safety.

[0040] The treatment room is equipped with a three-dimensional mobile treatment bed to meet the needs of positioning for different tumor sites.

[0041] Example like Figure 2 As shown, this is a single-source dual-beam boron neutron capture therapy system.

[0042] (1) is a low-energy proton accelerator, which is a linear accelerator in the embodiment; (2) is the electromagnetic field steering part. Under the guidance of the magnetic field, the proton beam can be directed to the two targets (3) and (4) and the BSA part respectively. Where (3) and (4) are two targets and different BSAs respectively. In this embodiment, the targets selected are all solid fixed lithium targets. In this embodiment, (3) a BSA device using magnesium fluoride as the moderator material is selected, and the output neutron beam is a superthermal neutron; In this embodiment, (4) a BSA device using polystyrene as the moderator material is selected, and the output neutron beam is thermal neutron; In this embodiment, (5) is a horizontal treatment chamber that uses superthermal neutrons to treat head and neck cancer; In this embodiment, (6) is a horizontal treatment chamber that uses thermal neutrons to treat melanoma.

[0043] Specific work process Please refer to Figure 1 The ion source section of the low-energy proton accelerator generates the initial proton beam. The H- ion source can be converted into positively charged protons by an electron stripping device. After the energy is increased by the accelerator section, the beam expansion section adjusts the beam to the size of the target material and then transmits it to the electromagnetic field deflection section through the transport line section.

[0044] The electromagnetic field deflection section guides the proton beam to deflect, bombarding multiple solid-state lithium targets in a time-sharing or parallel manner. The protons react with the lithium nuclei to produce fast neutrons, and the target material is kept stable by a cooling system.

[0045] Fast neutrons enter the neutron moderation device at the back end of the corresponding target material: hydrogen-containing moderation materials moderate fast neutrons into thermal neutrons; fluorine-containing moderation materials moderate fast neutrons into hyperthermal neutrons.

[0046] Neutron beams of different energies are independently guided to horizontal or vertical treatment chambers. Thermal neutrons are used to treat superficial tumors (such as melanoma), while hyperthermic neutrons are used to treat deep tumors (such as glioma and breast cancer). During treatment, the three-dimensional moving treatment bed adjusts the patient's position according to the tumor location to ensure that the tumor area receives neutron irradiation precisely. The alpha rays released by the neutrons captured by boron-10 selectively destroy cancer cells.

[0047] The technical features described above can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features described above are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0048] The technical features described above can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features described above are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A single-source, multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system, characterized in that: It includes a low-energy proton accelerator, an electromagnetic field steering section, and two or more treatment chambers; each of the treatment chambers has a target and a neutron moderator. The electromagnetic field deflection section is located at the beam output end of the low-energy proton accelerator and is used to guide the proton beam output by the low-energy proton accelerator to bombard the two or more targets to generate fast neutrons. Each of the target materials is provided with a corresponding neutron moderator at its rear end. The neutron moderator uses a hydrogen-containing moderator material or a fluorine-containing moderator material to moderate fast neutrons into neutron beams with different energy ranges through different moderator materials. The neutron beams of different energy ranges are each independently directed to one or more treatment chambers.

2. The single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The low-energy proton accelerator is used to provide a proton beam, including an ion source section, an accelerator section, a beam expander section, and a transport line section, and is capable of outputting a proton beam that meets the requirements for generating neutrons by bombarding a target.

3. The single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The ion source portion includes H + Ion source or H - Ion source, H - An electron stripping device can be attached to the ion source.

4. The single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The accelerator section is an accelerator type suitable for boron neutron capture therapy, such as a cyclotron, a linear accelerator, or a vacuum-insulated tandem accelerator.

5. The single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The beam expander can adapt the beam diameter to the target size and use an appropriate beam expander method to ensure that the beam uniformly covers the target.

6. The single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The transport line section is used to transmit the proton beam, and is equipped with necessary shielding structures to reduce stray radiation, and is equipped with relevant monitoring devices to monitor the beam status in real time.

7. The single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The electromagnetic field steering section includes a two-pole electromagnet used to guide the proton beam toward different targets.

8. The single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The target material is a solid fixed lithium target, and the target material is equipped with a cooling system.

9. The single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The hydrogen-containing moderator material includes water, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene, which outputs a thermal neutron beam after moderation; the fluorine-containing moderator material includes magnesium fluoride, calcium fluoride, aluminum fluoride, or polytetrafluoroethylene, which outputs an ultrathermal neutron beam after moderation.

10. The single-source multi-beam boron neutron capture therapy system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The treatment room includes a horizontal treatment room and a vertical treatment room. The walls of the treatment room are made of concrete and lead composite shielding. The treatment room is equipped with a neutron dose equivalent rate monitor and a three-dimensional mobile treatment bed.

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