Neutron capture therapy device

Abstract

To provide a neutron capture therapy device capable of improving positioning accuracy of an irradiation object body in irradiation.SOLUTION: A transport mechanism 120 transports a patient 50 to a treatment part after positioning is completed in a simulated irradiation port 107 using a second moving mechanism 110B. Then, a first moving mechanism 110A moves the patient 50 so as to reproduce the positioning in the simulated irradiation port 107. Here, the second moving mechanism 110B moves the patient such that the position of the patient 50 relative to the simulated irradiation port 107 is substantially the same as the predetermined position of the patient 50 relative to the irradiation port 106 in the treatment part 102, and the first moving mechanism 110A moves the patient 50 to the predetermined position relative to the irradiation port 106 in the treatment part 102. In this case, in the treatment part 102, the first moving mechanism 110A can accurately reproduce the state of alignment with the simulated irradiation port 107 by the second moving mechanism 110B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a neutron capture therapy device. [Background technology]

[0002] Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) using boron compounds is known as a neutron capture therapy that uses neutron beams to kill cancer cells. In boron neutron capture therapy, boron that has been incorporated into cancer cells in advance is irradiated with neutron beams, and the heavy charged particles generated by this are scattered, selectively destroying the cancer cells.

[0003] As an example of the above-mentioned neutron capture therapy device, the one shown in Patent Document 1 is known. The neutron capture therapy device shown in Patent Document 1 performs treatment by placing the patient in front of the neutron beam irradiation port while the patient is fixed to a mounting member. Therefore, the patient is positioned in a preparation room, and then the patient is transported to the treatment room and repositioned. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-83351 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned neutron capture therapy device, positioning is performed by the positioning mechanism in the preparation room, the positioning mechanism and the irradiated object are transported to the treatment room by the transport mechanism, and the positioning is performed again by the positioning mechanism in the treatment room. In such a neutron capture therapy device, due to the influence of position errors in the travel drive of the transport mechanism, etc., a deviation occurs between the position of the positioning mechanism in the treatment room and the position of the positioning mechanism in the treatment room. This causes a problem of reduced positioning accuracy of the irradiated object during irradiation.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a neutron capture therapy apparatus capable of improving the positioning accuracy of an object to be irradiated during irradiation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The neutron capture therapy device of the present invention comprises a treatment section having an irradiation section which irradiates an irradiated object with a neutron beam, a simulation section which simulates adjustment of the position of the irradiated object relative to the irradiation section in the treatment section, a first moving mechanism capable of moving the irradiated object in the treatment section, a second moving mechanism capable of moving the irradiated object relative to the simulation section, and a transport mechanism capable of transporting the irradiated object from the second moving mechanism to the first moving mechanism, wherein the second moving mechanism moves the irradiated object so that the position of the irradiated object relative to the simulation section is approximately the same as a predetermined position of the irradiated object relative to the irradiation section, and the first moving mechanism moves the irradiated object to the predetermined position of the irradiated object relative to the irradiation section.

[0008] The neutron capture therapy device according to the present invention includes a first moving mechanism capable of moving the irradiated object in the treatment section, at least one second moving mechanism capable of moving the irradiated object relative to at least one simulation section, and at least one transport mechanism capable of transporting the irradiated object from the second moving mechanism to the first moving mechanism. As a result, when positioning relative to the simulation section is completed using the second moving mechanism, the transport mechanism transports the irradiated object to the treatment section. Then, the first moving mechanism moves the irradiated object so that the positioning in the simulation section is reproduced. Here, the second moving mechanism moves the irradiated object so that the position of the irradiated object relative to the simulation section is approximately the same as the predetermined position of the irradiated object relative to the irradiation section, and the first moving mechanism moves the irradiated object to the predetermined position of the irradiated object relative to the irradiation section. In this case, the first moving mechanism in the treatment section can accurately reproduce the state of alignment in the second moving mechanism relative to the simulation section. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the irradiated object during irradiation can be improved.

[0009] The irradiation unit of the treatment unit may include a first collimator, and the simulation unit may include a second collimator that simulates the first collimator. In this case, it is possible to simulate the positioning of the irradiated object with respect to the simulation unit, taking into account the position of the collimator.

[0010] The neutron capture therapy device may further include a memory unit, which stores parameters of the second moving mechanism when the irradiated subject is positioned relative to the simulation unit, and the first moving mechanism may perform positioning of the irradiated subject based on the parameters stored in the memory unit. In this case, the first moving mechanism in the treatment unit can easily and accurately reproduce the state of alignment of the second moving mechanism with respect to the simulation unit.

[0011] The neutron capture therapy device may further include a fixing unit for fixing the irradiated object, and the first and second moving mechanisms may move the irradiated object by moving the fixing unit, and the transport mechanism may transport the irradiated object together with the fixing unit. In this case, the posture of the irradiated object when positioned relative to the simulation unit is kept constant from the time of transport by the transport mechanism to the time of positioning by the first moving mechanism. Therefore, in the treatment unit, the first moving mechanism can accurately reproduce the state of alignment of the second moving mechanism with respect to the simulation unit.

[0012] The neutron capture therapy device may include a plurality of simulation units, and the transport mechanism may include an automated transport vehicle that travels between the treatment unit and the plurality of simulation units. In this way, by using an automated transport vehicle that travels automatically when the device has a plurality of simulation units, the throughput of the treatment can be improved. Furthermore, the automated transport vehicle has a higher degree of freedom of movement than arms, rails, etc. Therefore, the degree of freedom of layout of the neutron capture therapy device including the treatment unit and the plurality of simulation units can be improved.

[0013] The neutron capture therapy device may further include a fixing part for fixing the irradiated object, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the fixing part between the transport mechanism and one of the first and second moving mechanisms, the transport mechanism transporting the irradiated object together with the fixing part, and the transfer mechanism may maintain a state of being held by at least one of the transport mechanism and the one of the moving mechanisms during transfer. In this case, the transfer mechanism can suppress the dropping of the fixing part during transfer and ensure the transfer.

[0014] The transfer mechanism may have a detection unit that detects the holding state of the fixed part, and at the time of transfer, the detection unit may detect a state in which the fixed part is held by the transport mechanism and one of the moving mechanisms, and after the detection, release the holding state of either the transport mechanism or one of the moving mechanisms. In this case, by releasing the holding state of one of the mechanisms after reliably confirming that the fixed part is held by the transport mechanism and one of the moving mechanisms, it is possible to prevent a state in which the fixed part is not held by both.

[0015] The delivery mechanism may have an output unit that outputs the fact that delivery is in progress, so that workers around the delivery mechanism can be aware of safety during delivery. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a neutron capture therapy apparatus capable of improving the positioning accuracy of an object to be irradiated during irradiation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a neutron capture therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram showing in detail a portion corresponding to A shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in the vicinity of a treatment section of a neutron capture therapy device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a first movement mechanism of the treatment room. [Diagram 5] 11 is a schematic plan view showing a second moving mechanism of the preparation chamber. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which the transport mechanism is transporting a patient. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the positioning of a patient in a preparation room. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the positioning of a patient in a preparation room. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the positioning of a patient in a treatment room. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the positioning of a patient in a treatment room. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a neutron capture therapy device according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an automatic transport vehicle. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a delivery mechanism. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a transfer mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a transfer mechanism. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a transfer mechanism. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a transfer mechanism according to a modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing neutron capture therapy. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a neutron capture therapy device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The neutron capture therapy device 1 is a device that performs cancer treatment using boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The neutron capture therapy device 1 according to the example shown in FIG. 1 includes a treatment section 102 and a plurality of preparation sections 104. The treatment section 102 is provided in a treatment room 101. Each preparation section 104 is provided in each preparation room 103. The preparation section 104 is provided in each of sections E2A, E2B, and E2C adjacent to the section E1 of the treatment section 102 in three directions. The section E1 of the treatment section 102 and the sections E2A, E2B, and E2C of the preparation section 104 are each connected by a passage 130.

[0020] Next, the neutron capture therapy device 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing in detail a portion corresponding to A shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the neutron capture therapy device 1 includes a treatment section 102, a preparation section 104 including a simulated irradiation port 107 (simulation section), a first moving mechanism 110A, a second moving mechanism 110B, and a transport mechanism 120. The preparation room 103 of the section E2B and the preparation room 103 of the section E2C are also provided with the second moving mechanism 110B, the simulated irradiation port 107, and the transport mechanism 120 of the same purpose. However, the arrangement and orientation of these components may be appropriately changed according to the positional relationship with the treatment room 101 of the section E1.

[0021] The treatment section 102 has an irradiation port 106 (irradiation section) that irradiates the patient 50 with a neutron beam N. The treatment section 102 is composed of a structure in which the irradiation port 106 and a first moving mechanism 110A are disposed. The treatment section 102 is provided in a treatment room 101. The irradiation port 106 is provided in a vertical wall of the treatment room 101. The neutron beam N is emitted horizontally from the irradiation port 106. The irradiation port 106 includes a collimator 20 described below and an irradiation section peripheral wall 115. The first moving mechanism 110A is a mechanism capable of moving the patient 50 in the treatment section 102. The first moving mechanism 110A is provided in a position in front of the irradiation port 106 in the treatment room 101.

[0022] Here, the configuration around the treatment unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In the treatment unit 102, for example, boron ( 10 The tumor of patient 50 (irradiated subject) to whom B) has been administered is irradiated with neutron beam N.

[0023] The neutron capture therapy device 1 includes an accelerator 2. The accelerator 2 accelerates particles and emits a particle beam R. For example, a cyclotron, a linear accelerator, or the like may be adopted as the accelerator 2.

[0024] The particle beam R emitted from the accelerator 2 passes through a transport path 9, which is called a beam duct and whose interior is kept in a vacuum and through which the beam can pass, and is transported to a target placement section 30. The target placement section 30 is a section for placing the target 10, and has a mechanism for holding the target 10 in a posture for irradiation. The target placement section 30 places the target 10 at a position opposite to an end (exit port) of the transport path 9. The particle beam R emitted from the accelerator 2 passes through the transport path 9 and proceeds toward the target 10 placed at the end of the transport path 9. A plurality of electromagnets 4 (such as quadrupole electromagnets) and a scanning electromagnet 6 are provided along the transport path 9. The plurality of electromagnets 4 are, for example, for adjusting the beam axis of the particle beam R using electromagnets.

[0025] The scanning electromagnet 6 scans the particle beam R and controls irradiation of the particle beam R onto the target 10. The scanning electromagnet 6 controls the irradiation position of the particle beam R on the target 10.

[0026] The neutron capture therapy device 1 generates a neutron beam N by irradiating a target 10 with a particle beam R, and emits the neutron beam N toward a patient 50. The neutron capture therapy device 1 includes the target 10, a shield 8, a moderator 39, and a collimator 20.

[0027] The target 10 generates a neutron beam N when irradiated with a particle beam R. The target 10 is a solid member formed of a material that generates a neutron beam N when irradiated with the particle beam R. Specifically, the target 10 is formed of, for example, beryllium (Be), lithium (Li), tantalum (Ta), or tungsten (W), and has a disk-like solid shape with a diameter of, for example, 160 mm. Note that the target 10 is not limited to being disk-shaped, and may have other shapes.

[0028] The moderator 39 is for slowing down the neutron beam N generated in the target 10 (for reducing the energy of the neutron beam N). The moderator 39 may have a laminated structure including a layer 39A that mainly slows down fast neutrons contained in the neutron beam N and a layer 39B that mainly slows down epithermal neutrons contained in the neutron beam N.

[0029] The shielding 8 blocks the generated neutron beam N and gamma rays and the like generated with the generation of the neutron beam N from being emitted to the outside. The shielding 8 is provided so as to surround the moderator 39. The upper and lower portions of the shielding 8 extend upstream of the particle beam R from the moderator 39.

[0030] The first collimator 20 shapes the irradiation field of the neutron beam N and has an irradiation port 20a through which the neutron beam N passes. The first collimator 20 is, for example, a block-shaped member having the irradiation port 20a in the center. The first collimator 20 is attached to the irradiation unit peripheral wall 115, which is a wall portion of the portion through which the neutron beam N is irradiated into the treatment room 101.

[0031] The preparation section 104 includes a second moving mechanism 110B and a simulated irradiation port 107 (simulation section). The simulated irradiation port 107 simulates the adjustment of the position of the patient 50 relative to the irradiation port 106 in the treatment section 102. The simulated irradiation port 107 has a second collimator 108 which is a simulated collimator that simulates the first collimator 20 of the irradiation port 106, and a simulated wall 114 which simulates a part of the irradiation section peripheral wall 115 around the irradiation port 106. The simulated irradiation port 107 also has a simulated irradiation port 108a which is a horizontal through hole that simulates the irradiation port 20a of the neutron beam N. The second moving mechanism 110B is a mechanism that can move the patient 50 relative to the simulated irradiation port 107 in the preparation room 103. The second moving mechanism 110B is provided in a position in front of the simulated irradiation port 107 in the preparation room 103.

[0032] The transport mechanism 120 is a mechanism capable of transporting the patient 50 from the second moving mechanism 110B to the first moving mechanism 110A. The transport mechanism 120 is provided in the preparation room 103. Between the preparation room 103 and the treatment room 101, there is a shielded area 109 configured to prevent radiation from leaking into the preparation room 103. After completing positioning in the preparation room 103, the transport mechanism 120 receives the patient 50 from the second moving mechanism 110B. Then, the transport mechanism 120 passes the patient 50 through the shielded area 109 and delivers the patient 50 to the first moving mechanism 110A in the treatment room 101.

[0033] Neutron capture therapy device 1 also includes control unit 150 that controls various devices, and storage unit 151 that stores various information used for control (see FIG. 3). Control unit 150 controls at least first movement mechanism 110A, second movement mechanism 110B, and transport mechanism 120.

[0034] The first moving mechanism 110A will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. The X-axis and Y-axis are set in the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis is set in the vertical direction, and the description may be given using XYZ coordinates. The first moving mechanism 110A is a so-called six-axis mechanism that moves the patient 50 in six axial directions. The first moving mechanism 110A allows horizontal movement in the X-axis direction and rotational movement around the X-axis. The first moving mechanism 110A allows horizontal movement in the Y-axis direction and rotational movement around the Y-axis. The first moving mechanism 110A allows vertical movement in the Z-axis direction and rotational movement around the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the first moving mechanism 110A supports the patient 50 fixed to the fixing part 60, and moves the patient 50 together with the fixing part 60.

[0035] The first moving mechanism 110A has a base portion 111 provided on the floor surface at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the irradiation port 106. The base portion 111 is a member extending in the vertical direction, and is rotatable around the Z axis and can be raised and lowered in the Z axis direction. The base portion 111 has an arm portion 112 extending in the horizontal direction. A support portion 113 that supports the fixed portion 60 is provided at the tip of the arm portion 112. The arm portion 112 can extend and retract so that the position of the support portion 113 can be changed. The arm portion 112 can also adjust the inclination of the support portion 113. The support portion 113 can rotate around the Z axis relative to the tip of the arm portion 112.

[0036] The second moving mechanism 110B will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The second moving mechanism 110B has the same structure as the first moving mechanism 110A. That is, the second moving mechanism 110B has the same base part 111, arm part 112, and support part 113 as the first moving mechanism 110A. The positional relationship between the second moving mechanism 110B and the simulated irradiation port 107 is the same as the positional relationship between the first moving mechanism 110A and the irradiation port 106. The position of the base part 111 of the second moving mechanism 110B relative to the second collimator 108 is the same as the position of the base part 111 of the first moving mechanism 110A relative to the first collimator 20.

[0037] 6 and 7, the configuration of the transport mechanism 120 will be described in detail. The transport mechanism 120 includes an extendable arm unit 121 and a support unit 122 provided at the tip of the arm unit 121 to support the patient 50 and the fixing unit 60. The transport mechanism 120 supports the fixing unit 60 with the support unit 122, and transports the patient 50 from the preparation room 103 to the treatment room 101 via the shielded area 109 by extending the arm unit 121 in this state.

[0038] In the preparation room 103, the patient 50 is fixed to the fixing part 60 using restraints or the like. The first moving mechanism 110A and the second moving mechanism 110B move the patient 50 by moving the fixing part 60. In addition, the transport mechanism 120 transports the patient 50 together with the fixing part 60.

[0039] In this embodiment, the second moving mechanism 110B moves the patient 50 so that the position of the patient 50 relative to the simulated irradiation port 107 is substantially the same as a predetermined position of the patient 50 relative to the irradiation port 106 in the treatment section 102, and the first moving mechanism 110A moves the patient 50 to a predetermined position of the patient irradiated object relative to the irradiation port 106 in the treatment section 102. The first moving mechanism 110A and the second moving mechanism 110B can move the patient 50 in each of the treatment section 102 and the preparation section 104 so that the positional relationship between the simulated irradiation port 107 and the patient 50 at the time of positioning, that is, the positional relationship when the simulated irradiation port 107 and the patient 50 are positioned (positioning is completed), is substantially the same as the positional relationship between the irradiation port 106 and the patient 50 at the time of irradiation in the treatment section 102. Here, the range of "substantially the same" is any of the following ranges (1) to (3). (1) Range of positioning accuracy of the drive mechanisms (e.g., motors, etc.) that drive the first movement mechanism 110A and the second movement mechanism 110B (2) The range of detection accuracy of the locations serving as reference points near the affected area of ​​the patient 50 (e.g., locations serving as reference points for positioning, such as bones, soft tissues, and markers drawn on the body surface) and the locations of the first collimator 20 and the second collimator 108, detected using a position detector such as an imaging device and a sensor. (3) Range of deviation acceptable for treatment

[0040] The "predetermined position" is the position of the patient 50 relative to the irradiation port 106 during irradiation. The control unit 150 controls the first moving mechanism 110A and the second moving mechanism 110B so that the positional relationship between the simulated irradiation port 107 and the patient 50 when positioned is the same as the positional relationship between the irradiation port 106 and the patient 50 when irradiating in the treatment unit 102. The storage unit 151 also stores parameters (control parameters related to the position of the patient 50) of the second moving mechanism 110B when positioned relative to the simulated irradiation port 107. The first moving mechanism 110A performs positioning of the patient 50 based on the parameters stored in the storage unit 151. That is, the control unit 150 acquires parameters of the second moving mechanism 110B that has been positioned from the storage unit 151. Then, the control unit 150 controls the first moving mechanism 110A with the acquired parameters.

[0041] Next, a procedure from positioning in the treatment unit 102 to irradiation in the treatment unit 102 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the patient 50 is irradiated with the neutron beam N from two directions, that is, so-called multi-port irradiation is performed. Therefore, it is necessary to position the patient 50 in two directions with respect to the irradiation port 106.

[0042] First, as shown in Fig. 5, in the treatment room 101, the fixing part 60 is attached to the support part 113 of the second moving mechanism 110B, and the patient 50 is placed on the fixing part 60. Then, the operator fixes the patient 50 to the fixing part 60. At the start of positioning, the fixing part 60 is set to a reference position (the position shown in Fig. 5).

[0043] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the positioning is performed simulating the irradiation of the first beam. The operator moves the patient 50 by the second moving mechanism 110B and places the affected area near the second collimator 108. If an X-ray device is provided in the preparation unit 104, an X-ray is taken and the image is collated with a CT image to determine the amount of position correction. Then, the second moving mechanism 110B is driven for correction. If the positioning method is only the laser, the marker of the patient 50 is positioned to match the laser. If the positioning method is the camera, the position of the patient 50 is aligned with the treatment plan while photographing the marker of the patient 50 with the camera. When the final positioning of the first beam is completed, the positioning position, i.e., the parameters of the second moving mechanism 110B at the positioning position, are stored in the memory unit 151.

[0044] Next, as shown in Fig. 9, positioning is performed to simulate irradiation of the second portal. The operator moves the patient 50 with the second movement mechanism 110B, and positions the affected area near the second collimator 108 in a direction different from that of the first portal. Positioning is performed using the same positioning method as described above. When the final positioning of the second portal is completed, the positioning position, i.e., the parameters of the second movement mechanism 110B at the positioning position, are stored in the memory unit 151.

[0045] 6, the patient 50 together with the fixing part 60 is transferred to the support part 122 of the transport mechanism 120. Then, the transport mechanism 120 extends the arm part 121 to transport the patient 50 together with the fixing part 60 from the preparation room 103 to the treatment room 101 through the shielded area 109.

[0046] Next, as shown in Fig. 4, when the patient 50 arrives at the treatment room 101, the patient 50 together with the fixing part 60 is transferred to the support part 113 of the first moving mechanism 110A. In the initial state, the fixing part 60 is set to a reference position (the position shown in Fig. 4). During the process of transportation by the transport mechanism 120 and transfer to the first moving mechanism 110A, the fixed state of the patient 50 to the fixing part 60 is continued so that the position of the patient 50 relative to the fixing part 60 does not shift.

[0047] Next, as shown in Fig. 10, positioning for performing irradiation of the first port is performed. The control unit 150 acquires parameters of the second moving mechanism 110B in the positioning of the first port from the storage unit 151, and the control unit 150 controls the first moving mechanism 110A with the parameters. As a result, the positional relationship of the first moving mechanism 110A with respect to the first collimator 20 becomes the positional relationship of the second moving mechanism 110B with respect to the second collimator 108 of the simulated irradiation port 107. That is, the positional relationship of the patient 50 with respect to the first collimator 20 reproduces the positional relationship of the patient 50 with respect to the second collimator 108. After the positioning of the patient 50 is completed, the first port is irradiated.

[0048] Next, as shown in Fig. 11, positioning for performing irradiation of the second port is performed. The control unit 150 acquires parameters of the second moving mechanism 110B in the positioning of the second port from the storage unit 151, and the control unit 150 controls the first moving mechanism 110A with the parameters. As a result, the positional relationship of the first moving mechanism 110A with respect to the first collimator 20 becomes the positional relationship of the second moving mechanism 110B with respect to the second collimator 108 of the simulated irradiation port 107. That is, the positional relationship of the patient 50 with respect to the first collimator 20 reproduces the positional relationship of the patient 50 with respect to the second collimator 108. After the positioning of the patient 50 is completed, the irradiation of the second port is performed.

[0049] Next, the action and effect of the neutron capture therapy apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0050] The neutron capture therapy device 1 according to this embodiment includes a first moving mechanism 110A capable of moving the patient 50 in the treatment section 102, a second moving mechanism 110B capable of moving the patient 50 relative to the simulated irradiation port 107, and a transport mechanism 120 capable of transporting the patient 50 from the second moving mechanism 110B to the first moving mechanism 110A. Thus, when positioning relative to the simulated irradiation port 107 is completed using the second moving mechanism 110B, the transport mechanism 120 transports the patient 50 to the treatment section. Then, the first moving mechanism 110A moves the patient 50 so that the positioning relative to the simulated irradiation port 107 is reproduced. Here, the second moving mechanism 110B moves the patient 50 so that the position of the patient 50 relative to the simulated irradiation port 107 is substantially the same as a predetermined position of the patient 50 relative to the irradiation port 106 in the treatment section 102, and the first moving mechanism 110A moves the patient 50 to a predetermined position of the patient 50 relative to the irradiation port 106 in the treatment section 102. In this case, the first moving mechanism 110A in the treatment section 102 can accurately reproduce the state of alignment of the second moving mechanism 110B with respect to the simulated irradiation port 107. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the patient 50 during irradiation can be improved.

[0051] The irradiation port 106 of the treatment section 102 may include a first collimator 20, and the simulated irradiation port 107 may include a second collimator 108 that simulates the first collimator 20. In this case, it is possible to simulate the positioning of the patient 50 with respect to the simulated irradiation port 107, taking into consideration the position of the collimator.

[0052] Neutron capture therapy device 1 further includes a memory unit 151, which stores parameters of second moving mechanism 110B when positioned relative to simulated irradiation port 107, and first moving mechanism 110A may perform positioning of patient 50 based on the parameters stored in memory unit 151. In this case, in treatment unit 102, first moving mechanism 110A can easily and accurately reproduce the state of alignment of second moving mechanism 110B relative to simulated irradiation port 107.

[0053] The neutron capture therapy device 1 further includes a fixing unit 60 for fixing the patient 50, and the first moving mechanism 110A and the second moving mechanism 110B may move the patient 50 by moving the fixing unit 60, and the transport mechanism 120 may transport the patient 50 together with the fixing unit 60. In this case, the posture of the patient 50 when positioned with respect to the simulated irradiation port 107 is kept constant from the transport by the transport mechanism 120 to the positioning by the first moving mechanism 110A. Therefore, in the treatment section 102, the first moving mechanism 110A can accurately reproduce the state of alignment with the simulated irradiation port 107 by the second moving mechanism 110B.

[0054] The above-mentioned actions and effects can be obtained for all of the sections E2A, E2B, and E3 between the preparation section 104 and the treatment section 102. However, it is sufficient that the above-mentioned actions and effects are obtained for at least one of the preparation sections 104 of the sections E2A, E2B, and E3. In other words, there may be a preparation section 104 that does not have the second moving mechanism 110B as described above.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0056] For example, in the above embodiment, the patient 50 is fixed to the fixing unit 60, but it is not necessarily required to fix the patient 50. In this case, when the positioning of the patient 50 with respect to the simulated irradiation port 107 is completed, the positional relationship between the vicinity of the affected area of ​​the patient 50 and the second collimator 108 is measured by an image captured by a laser sensor or an imaging device, and stored in the storage unit 151. Next, the treatment unit 102 acquires the measurement result in the preparation unit 104 from the storage unit 151, and moves the patient 50 by the first moving mechanism 110A so that the positional relationship between the patient 50 and the first collimator 20 becomes the same as the measurement result. As a result, the positional relationship between the first moving mechanism 110A and the second moving mechanism 110B at the time of positioning with respect to the simulated irradiation port 107 becomes approximately the same as the positional relationship between the irradiation port 106 and the patient 50 at the time of irradiation in the treatment unit 102.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the neutron beam N is irradiated from two directions, but it may be irradiated from one direction, or from three or more directions.

[0058] The configuration of the moving mechanisms 110A and 110B is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any mechanism capable of positioning the patient 50 can be appropriately adopted.

[0059] The memory unit 151 stores, in addition to the parameters of the second moving mechanism 110B when positioning with respect to the simulated irradiation port 107, at least a portion of the control parameters of the second moving mechanism 110B from the start of positioning to its completion, and the first moving mechanism 110A may position the patient 50 based on the parameters stored in the memory unit 151.

[0060] For example, the layout shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate.

[0061] The number and arrangement of the preparation units are not limited to those shown in Fig. 1 and can be changed as appropriate. For example, although multiple preparation units are shown in Fig. 1, the number of preparation units may be one. In this case, the neutron capture therapy device has one simulation unit, one second moving mechanism, and one transport mechanism.

[0062] For example, FIG. 12 may be employed. The neutron capture therapy device 1 according to the example shown in FIG. 12 includes a treatment section 102 and a plurality of preparation sections 104. A section E2A of the preparation section 104 is provided adjacent to a section E1 of the treatment section 102, and a section E2D of the preparation section 104 is provided next to the section E2A of the preparation section 104. The sections E2B and E2C of the preparation section 104 are provided adjacent to the section E2A of the preparation section 104 and the treatment section 102 in another direction. The section E1 of the treatment section 102 and the section of the preparation section 104, the section E2A of the preparation section 104 and the section E2D of the preparation section 104, and the preparation section 104 and the section E2B of the preparation section 104 are each connected by a passage 130. The passage 130 connecting the sections E1 and E2A and the passage 130 connecting the sections E2B and E2C are connected by the passage 130.

[0063] In the above embodiment, a type having an extendable arm unit 121 is used as the transport mechanism 120. However, the structure of the transport mechanism is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. For example, instead of the arm unit, a transport device may be used as the transport mechanism, in which a guide structure (rail or guide groove) is provided on the floor, and the transport device moves together with the fixed unit 60 while being guided by the guide structure.

[0064] Also, an automatic transport vehicle 200 as shown in FIG. 13 may be adopted as the transport mechanism. That is, the neutron capture therapy device may have a plurality of simulated irradiation ports 107, and the transport mechanism may have an automatic transport vehicle 200 that travels between the treatment unit 102 and the plurality of simulated irradiation ports 107. When the transport mechanism has a guide structure or an arm section, there is a problem that the degree of freedom of the layout is reduced due to the incorporation of these members. For example, the guide structure or the arm section is limited to a linear movement, or the structure becomes complicated when changing direction. Therefore, compared to the layout shown in FIG. 1, the transport mechanism must be made more complex in the layout shown in FIG. 12. In contrast, the automatic transport vehicle 200 does not need to be fixed to the building side as a structure, so it can easily change direction. Therefore, even with the layout shown in FIG. 12, transport can be easily performed. Also, the guide structure and the arm section are configured to rise from the floor surface, so it may be difficult for the patient to go up and down. On the other hand, when the automatic transport vehicle 200 is adopted as the transport mechanism, since structures fixed to the building side such as a guide structure and an arm mechanism are not required, the automatic transport vehicle 200 can be moved from the site when the patient is ascending or descending. In addition, since the transport mechanism and the route using the guide structure and the arm part are fixed, it is preferable to provide one transport mechanism between one preparation unit and one treatment unit. On the other hand, in the case of the automatic transport vehicle 200, multiple automatic transport vehicles 200 may transport between one preparation unit and one treatment unit, or one transport vehicle may transport between multiple preparation units and one treatment unit. For example, one automatic transport vehicle 200 may be applied to the layout of FIG. 13 having four preparation units 104, or any number of automatic transport vehicles 200 greater than or equal to two (not necessarily four) may be adopted.

[0065] The automated guided vehicle 200 is a non-rail type transport mechanism that can move within a facility without providing a structure (such as a guide structure or an arm) fixed to the building side. The automated guided vehicle 200 automatically moves from the second moving mechanism 110B to the first moving mechanism 110A. The automated guided vehicle 200 does not need to be automated in all processes, and may be configured to wait for instructions from an operator at a predetermined timing. A type of transport vehicle that is manually transported by an operator may be adopted as the transport mechanism. For example, an AMR (autonomous mobile transport robot) or an AGV (automated guided vehicle) may be adopted as the automated guided vehicle 200. The AMR is an automated guided vehicle 200 that can create a map of the surrounding environment, estimate its own position, and automatically search for a route while traveling to a destination. The AMR can move freely without a fixed route, so it can also accommodate layouts with a high degree of freedom. The AGV is an automated guided vehicle 200 that travels on a route determined by guides such as magnetic tapes and landmarks. Unlike rails, guide grooves, and other structures that are fixed to the floor, magnetic tapes and landmarks do not require any processing to be installed and do not affect the shape of the floor. Therefore, they can be easily installed on the floor and their direction can be easily changed. Therefore, AGVs can accommodate layouts with a high degree of freedom.

[0066] As an automatic type automatic guided vehicle 200, one shown in Fig. 13 may be adopted. As shown in Fig. 13, the automatic guided vehicle 200 moves automatically while supporting a fixed part 60. The automatic guided vehicle 200 includes a traveling part 201, a main body part 202, a delivery mechanism 203, a support part 204, and a position measurement mechanism 206.

[0067] The running unit 201 is a mechanism for running on a floor surface. The running unit 201 has a plurality of wheels 201a, and automatically runs by driving the wheels 201a. The main body unit 202 is a member provided on the upper side of the running unit 201. The main body unit 202 is provided with various devices. For example, the main body unit 202 is provided with a battery 202a, a button 202b, and a display unit 202c. The transfer mechanism 203 is a mechanism for transferring the fixed unit 60 between the moving mechanisms 110A and 110B. The transfer mechanism 203 will be described in detail later. The support unit 204 is a member for supporting the fixed unit 60. The support unit 204 can support the fixed unit 60 in a fixed state so that the fixed unit 60 does not come off the automatic guided cart 200. The position measurement mechanism 206 is a mechanism for measuring position information for estimating the positional relationship with other members, the self-position, and the like. The position measuring mechanism 206 may be configured by any means, but may be configured by a detection means such as a camera, radar, or the like.

[0068] As described above, the neutron capture therapy device 1 may include multiple simulated irradiation ports 107 of the preparation unit 104, and the transport mechanism 120 may include an automated transport vehicle 200 that travels between the treatment unit 102 and the multiple simulated irradiation ports 107. In this way, by using the automated transport vehicle 200 that travels automatically when multiple simulated irradiation ports 107 are included, the throughput of the treatment can be improved. Furthermore, the automated transport vehicle 200 has a higher degree of freedom of movement than an arm, a rail, or the like. Therefore, the degree of freedom of layout of the neutron capture therapy device 1 including the treatment unit 102 and the multiple simulated irradiation ports 107 can be improved.

[0069] Next, the transfer mechanism 300 will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 17. The neutron capture therapy apparatus 1 includes a transfer mechanism 300 that transfers the fixed part 60 between the transport mechanism 120 and one of the first and second moving mechanisms 110A and 110B (hereinafter collectively referred to as the moving mechanism 110). The transfer mechanism 300 may maintain a state in which it is held by at least one of the transport mechanism 120 and the moving mechanism 110 during transfer. The transfer mechanism 300 may transfer the fixed part 60 held on one side of the transport mechanism 120 or the moving mechanism 110 to the other side after passing through a state in which the fixed part 60 is securely held by both the transport mechanism 120 and the moving mechanism 110 during transfer. In this case, the transfer mechanism 300 can prevent the fixed part 60 from falling during transfer and perform the transfer reliably. In addition, the "held state" means a state in which the fixed part 60 is supported with enough force to prevent the fixed part 60 from falling, even if the fixed part 60 is held by only one of the automatic transport vehicle 200 or the moving mechanism 110.

[0070] 14 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the delivery mechanism 300. Here, the automated guided vehicle 200 is exemplified as the transport mechanism. However, other types of transport mechanisms may also have a delivery mechanism of the same purpose. As shown in FIG. 14, the delivery mechanism 300 includes a delivery mechanism 301 provided in the fixed part 60, a delivery mechanism 203 provided in the automated guided vehicle 200, and a delivery mechanism 302 provided in the moving mechanism 110.

[0071] A transfer mechanism 301 is provided on the lower surface side of the fixed part 60. The transfer mechanism 301 has a held part 303 held by a transfer mechanism 203 of the automatic guided vehicle 200. The transfer mechanism 301 also has a held part 304 held by a transfer mechanism 302 of the moving mechanism 110. The transfer mechanism 302 of the moving mechanism 110 may be provided at any position in the moving mechanism 110, and may be provided, for example, on the support part 113 that supports the fixed part 60. The transfer mechanism 302 has a mechanism for holding the held part 304 of the fixed part 60 in a state in which it is supported by the support part 113 (details will be described later). The structure of the held parts 303, 304 is not particularly limited as long as it is a structure that can be held. As shown in FIG. 14, the held portions 303, 304 may be structured to receive the delivery mechanisms 203, 302, or may be structured to be received by the delivery mechanisms 203, 302 as shown in FIGS.

[0072] The transfer mechanism 300 may have a detection unit 306 that detects the holding state of the fixed part 60. At the time of transfer, the detection unit 306 detects the state in which the fixed part 60 is held by the automated guided vehicle 200 and the moving mechanism 110, and after the detection, the transfer mechanism 300 may release the holding state of either the automated guided vehicle 200 or the moving mechanism 110. In this case, by releasing the holding state of one of the automated guided vehicle 200 and the moving mechanism 110 after reliably confirming that the fixed part 60 is held by the automated guided vehicle 200 and the moving mechanism 110, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a state in which the fixed part 60 is not held by both.

[0073] Furthermore, the delivery mechanism 300 may have an output unit 307 that outputs the fact that delivery is in progress. In this case, workers around the delivery mechanism 300 can be alert to safety during delivery. As the output unit 307, a device that outputs sound, light, or the like, such as a patrol lamp, may be used.

[0074] The procedure of delivery by the delivery mechanism 300 will be described. As shown in FIG. 14(a), it is assumed that the automated guided vehicle 200, while holding the fixed part 60, has transported the fixed part 60 to the moving mechanism 110. When the fixed part 60 approaches the moving mechanism 110 within a predetermined distance, the delivery mechanism 300 may output, via the output unit 307, that a delivery operation is in progress. Note that in this state, the detection unit 306 has not detected that the fixed part 60 is being held by both the automated guided vehicle 200 and the moving mechanism 110. Therefore, the delivery mechanism 300 cannot release the holding state between the automated guided vehicle 200 and the fixed part 60.

[0075] Next, the transfer mechanism 302 of the moving mechanism 110 holds the fixed part 60 at the held part 304 of the fixed part 60. As a result, the fixed part 60 is held by both the automated guided vehicle 200 and the moving mechanism 110. At this time, the detection unit 306 detects the state in which the fixed part 60 is held by both the automated guided vehicle 200 and the moving mechanism 110. After such detection, the transfer mechanism 300 releases the held state of the automated guided vehicle 200. As a result, the fixed part 60 is held only by the moving mechanism 110. When releasing the held state, the transfer mechanism 300 controls or mechanically maintains either of the held states so that only one of the holds is released and both holds are avoided from being released at the same time.

[0076] When the held state is released, as shown in Fig. 14(c), the automated guided vehicle 200 detaches the delivery mechanism 203 from the held part 303 and moves back to the original location. This completes the delivery of the fixed part 60. When delivering the automated guided vehicle 200 from the moving mechanism 110, the above-mentioned procedure may be carried out in reverse.

[0077] 15 to 17, the delivery mechanism 300 has a holding mechanism 310 for holding the fixed part 60 so as not to come off. FIGS. 15 to 17 are schematic diagrams showing specific examples of the holding mechanism 310 of the delivery mechanism 300.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 15(a), the transfer mechanism 300 has a holding mechanism 310 equipped with a hook member 311. The hook member 311 is a member having a curved shape of an arc protruding downward. The hook member 311 is supported by a shaft portion 312 extending in the vertical direction. The upper end of the shaft portion 312 is rotatably supported by the transfer mechanism 301. The end of the hook member 311 on the automated guided vehicle 200 side becomes the held portion 303 on the automated guided vehicle 200 side. The end of the hook member 311 on the moving mechanism 110 side becomes the held portion 304 on the moving mechanism 110 side. The automated guided vehicle 200 has a groove portion 313 for receiving the held portion 303 of the hook member 311. The moving mechanism 110 has a groove portion 314 for receiving the held portion 304 of the hook member 311. 15(a) shows a state in which both holding states are released in order to explain the delivery mechanism 300. During delivery, the state shown in FIG. 15(a) does not occur.

[0079] 15(b), when the fixed part 60 is held on the moving mechanism 110 side by the above-mentioned holding mechanism 310, the delivery mechanisms 301, 302 are brought into contact with each other and the hook member 311 is rotated towards the moving mechanism 110 side. This causes the held part 304 of the hook member 311 to fit into the groove part 314 of the moving mechanism 110. This causes the fixed part 60 to be held by the moving mechanism 110. When the automated guided vehicle 200 holds the fixed part 60, it is sufficient to fit the held part 303 of the hook member 311 into the groove part 313.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 16(a), the transfer mechanism 300 has a holding mechanism 310 equipped with a screw member 411. The screw member 411 is a member extending to both the left and right sides in the transfer mechanism 301 of the fixed part 60. The end of the screw member 411 on the automated guided carriage 200 side becomes the held part 303 on the automated guided carriage 200 side. The end of the screw member 411 on the moving mechanism 110 side becomes the held part 304 on the moving mechanism 110 side. The automated guided carriage 200 has a groove part 413 for receiving the held part 303 of the screw member 411. The moving mechanism 110 has a groove part 414 for receiving the held part 304 of the screw member 411. Note that FIG. 16(a) shows a state in which both holding states are released in order to explain the transfer mechanism 300. During transfer, the state shown in FIG. 16(a) does not occur.

[0081] 16(b), when the fixed part 60 is held on the moving mechanism 110 side by the above-mentioned holding mechanism 310, the delivery mechanisms 301, 302 are brought into contact with each other and the screw member 411 is moved towards the moving mechanism 110 side. As a result, the held part 304 of the screw member 411 is screwed into the groove part 414 of the moving mechanism 110. As a result, the fixed part 60 is held by the moving mechanism 110. When the automated guided vehicle 200 holds the fixed part 60, it is sufficient to screw the held part 303 of the screw member 411 into the groove part 413.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 17(a), the transfer mechanism 300 has a holding mechanism 310 equipped with an electromagnet 511. The electromagnet 511 is a member extending to both the left and right sides of the transfer mechanism 301 of the fixed part 60. The end of the electromagnet 511 on the automated guided vehicle 200 side becomes the held part 303 on the automated guided vehicle 200 side. The end of the electromagnet 511 on the moving mechanism 110 side becomes the held part 304 on the moving mechanism 110 side. The electromagnet 511 can switch the polarity of the held part 303 and the held part 304 by changing the flow of current. The automated guided vehicle 200 has a groove 513 for receiving the held part 303 of the electromagnet 511. A magnet 512 is provided in the groove 513. The moving mechanism 110 has a groove 514 for receiving the held part 304 of the electromagnet 511. A magnet 515 is provided in the groove 513. The magnets 512 and 515 may have the same polarity. Note that Fig. 17(a) shows a state in which both holding states are released in order to explain the delivery mechanism 300. During delivery, the state shown in Fig. 17(a) does not occur.

[0083] 17(b), when the fixed part 60 is held on the moving mechanism 110 side by the above-mentioned holding mechanism 310, the delivery mechanisms 301, 302 are brought into contact with each other, and the electromagnet 511 is moved toward the moving mechanism 110 side. As a result, the held part 304 of the electromagnet 511 is fitted into the groove 514 of the moving mechanism 110. In this state, the electromagnet 511 is set to have the polarity opposite to that of the magnet 515, whereby the electromagnet 511 and the magnet 515 are joined together. As a result, the fixed part 60 is held by the moving mechanism 110. When the automated guided vehicle 200 holds the fixed part 60, the held part 303 of the electromagnet 511 is fitted into the groove 413, and the electromagnet 511 and the magnet 512 are joined together. When the polarity of the electromagnet 511 is switched, the held portion 304 of the electromagnet 511 is fitted into the groove portion 514, and the held portion 303 is fitted into the groove portion 513. Before the switching, the electromagnet 511 and the magnet 512 are joined, so that the fixed portion 60 is held by the automatic guided vehicle 200. Then, by switching the electromagnet 511, the magnet 515 and the electromagnet 511 are instantly joined, so that the fixed portion 60 is held by the moving mechanism 110. In this way, since the polarity of the electromagnet 511 is switched instantly, there is no state in which the electromagnet 511 is not joined to either the magnets 512 and 515, that is, no state in which the fixed portion 60 is not held by either the automatic guided vehicle 200 or the moving mechanism 110.

[0084] 15 to 17 show an example of one holding mechanism 310. The transfer mechanism 300 may include a plurality of such holding mechanisms 310. The transfer mechanism 300 may include a plurality of holding mechanisms 310 of the same type, or may include holding mechanisms 310 of different types. When the fixed part 60 is held by both the transfer mechanisms 203 and 302, some of the multiple holding mechanisms 310 are fixed to the transfer mechanism 203, and some of the multiple holding mechanisms 310 are fixed to the transfer mechanism 302. For example, a case where the transfer mechanism 300 transfers the fixed part 60 from the automatic guided vehicle 200 to the moving mechanism 110 will be described. At the start of the transfer, all of the holding mechanisms 310 are fixed to the transfer mechanism 203 of the automatic guided vehicle 200. From this point, not all of the multiple holding mechanisms 310 are fixed at once, but some of the holding mechanisms 310 are fixed to the transfer mechanism 302 of the moving mechanism 110. The number of holding mechanisms 310 fixed to the transfer mechanism 302 of the moving mechanism 110 is gradually increased. At this stage, the holding mechanisms 310 fixed to the transfer mechanism 203 of the automated guided vehicle 200 and the holding mechanisms 310 fixed to the transfer mechanism 302 of the moving mechanism 110 are mixed. As a result, the fixed part 60 is held by both the automated guided vehicle 200 and the moving mechanism 110. Eventually, all the holding mechanisms 310 are fixed to the transfer mechanism 302 of the moving mechanism 110. The fixed destination of the holding mechanisms 310 may be switched one by one in order, or several holding mechanisms 310 may be set as a set and switched step by step.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 14, the delivery mechanism 301 on the fixed part 60 side does not need to be provided as a dedicated member separate from the fixed part 60. For example, as shown in Fig. 18, a structure in which the delivery mechanism 301 is incorporated in the fixed part 60 itself may be adopted. The delivery mechanism 301 may include held parts 303, 304, a detection part 306, and an output part 307 incorporated in the fixed part 60. The delivery mechanisms 203, 302 hold the fixed part 60 at the held parts 303, 304 provided on the fixed part 60. The operation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 18 is similar to that of the mechanism shown in Fig. 14.

[0086] A neutron capture therapy device according to a reference embodiment includes: a treatment unit having an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with neutron beams; a placement unit for placing the irradiated object in the treatment unit; a transport mechanism capable of transporting the irradiation target object to the placement unit; A fixing part for fixing the irradiation object; a transfer mechanism for transferring the fixed part between the transport mechanism and a placement part for placing the irradiated object in the treatment part, The transport mechanism transports the irradiation object together with the fixing unit, The delivery mechanism maintains a state in which it is held by at least one of the transport mechanism and the placement unit during delivery.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the second moving mechanism moves the irradiated object relative to the simulation unit so that the position of the irradiated object relative to the irradiation unit is approximately the same as the predetermined position of the irradiated object relative to the irradiation unit, but in the reference embodiment, the second moving mechanism does not need to move the irradiated object to be approximately the same. In the reference embodiment, one or both of the first moving mechanism 110A and the second moving mechanism 110B may be a mechanism that moves manually instead of automatically. In addition, one or both of the first moving mechanism 110A and the second moving mechanism 110B may not have a mechanism that can move the irradiated object, and may simply be composed of a member such as a base on which the fixed part 60 is placed. In other words, the member on the other side to which the fixed part 60 is transferred by the transport mechanism 120 may be configured as a placement part that has a function of at least holding the fixed part 60 and placing the irradiated object.

[0088] As an example, as shown in FIG. 19, in the preparation room 103, the position of the patient is adjusted on the fixing part 60 held by the automatic guided vehicle 200, and the patient is restrained to the fixing part 60. While the state of being restrained to the fixing part 60 is maintained, the automatic guided vehicle 200 moves to the treatment room 101 through the shielded area 109. The automatic guided vehicle 200 that has moved to the treatment room 101 reaches the vicinity of the placement part 250 provided for the irradiation port 106. The fixing part 60 on which the patient is restrained is transferred from the automatic guided vehicle 200 to the placement part 250 by the transfer mechanism 300 (see FIG. 14). In the placement part 250, the patient and the irradiation port 106 are aligned using a moving mechanism that operates automatically or manually, or by manual adjustment without using such a mechanism. The transport mechanism that transports the fixing part 60 does not have to be the automatic guided vehicle 200, and a transport mechanism using a manual cart, an arm, a rail, or the like may be adopted.

[0089] The simulation unit may be placed in a position other than the preparation room. The simulation unit and the placement unit (corresponding to the second moving mechanism) for placing the irradiated object relative to the simulation unit may be omitted. In this case, the fixed unit may be handed over only between the transport mechanism and the placement unit of the treatment unit.

[0090] 19, the patient on the automated guided vehicle 200 is fixed to the fixing part 60 in a separate room (preparation room 103) different from the treatment room 3, but may be fixed at another location away from the irradiation port 106 in the treatment room 101. Furthermore, the patient may be transported by moving the automated guided vehicle 200 with the patient fixed to the fixing part 60 between an image acquisition device (CT device, etc.) (not shown) that takes an image of the patient to confirm that the position is fixed, and the irradiation port 106 of the treatment room 101. The image acquisition device may be provided in the treatment room 101, the preparation room 103, or another room.

[0091] By using the transfer mechanism 300 in this way, it is possible to obtain the effect that the transfer can be performed safely without dropping the patient and with as little human labor as possible. Furthermore, in the neutron capture therapy device 1, a high degree of freedom in operation is possible, such as positioning the patient in the treatment section (room) without a preparation room and then performing treatment there. In the neutron capture therapy device 1, the activated state may be maintained even several minutes to several tens of minutes after neutron beam irradiation. In such a case, the operation of transferring the patient from the transport mechanism to the placement section 250 in the treatment room 101 can be performed quickly and safely. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1...neutron capture therapy device, 20...first collimator, 50...patient (irradiated body), 60...fixed part, 102...treatment part, 107...simulated irradiation port (simulation part), 106...irradiation port (irradiation part), 108...second collimator, 110A...first moving mechanism, 110B...second moving mechanism, 120...transport mechanism, 151...memory part, 200...automatic transport vehicle, 300...transfer mechanism, 306...detection part, 307...output part 307.

Claims

1. a treatment unit having an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with neutron beams; a simulation unit that simulates adjustment of the position of the irradiated object relative to the irradiation unit in the treatment unit; a first moving mechanism capable of moving the irradiated object in the treatment unit; A second moving mechanism capable of moving the irradiation object relative to the simulation unit; a transport mechanism capable of transporting the irradiation object from the second transport mechanism to the first transport mechanism, the second moving mechanism moves the irradiation object so that a position of the irradiation object relative to the simulation unit is substantially the same as a predetermined position of the irradiation object relative to the irradiation unit; The first moving mechanism moves the irradiated object to the predetermined position of the irradiated object relative to the irradiation unit.

2. The irradiation unit of the treatment unit includes a first collimator, The neutron capture therapy device according to claim 1 , wherein the simulation unit includes a second collimator that simulates the first collimator.

3. Further comprising a storage unit, the storage unit stores parameters of the second moving mechanism when the second moving mechanism is positioned relative to the simulation unit; 3. The neutron capture therapy apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first moving mechanism performs positioning of the subject based on the parameters stored in the storage unit.

4. Further comprising a fixing portion for fixing the irradiation object, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism move the fixed part to move the irradiation object, The neutron capture therapy apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transport mechanism transports the subject together with the fixing unit.

5. A plurality of the simulation parts are provided, The neutron capture therapy device according to claim 1 , wherein the transport mechanism includes an automatic transport vehicle that travels between the treatment section and the plurality of simulation sections.

6. A fixing part for fixing the irradiation object; a transfer mechanism that transfers the fixed portion between the transport mechanism and one of the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism, The transport mechanism transports the irradiation object together with the fixing unit, The neutron capture therapy apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the delivery mechanism maintains a state of being held by at least one of the transport mechanism and the one of the moving mechanisms during delivery.

7. The delivery mechanism includes: A detection unit for detecting a holding state of the fixing unit is provided, At the time of delivery, the detection unit detects a state in which the fixed unit is held by the transport mechanism and the one of the moving mechanisms, The neutron capture therapy device according to claim 6 , wherein after the detection, the holding state of either the transport mechanism or the one of the moving mechanisms is released.

8. The neutron capture therapy device according to claim 6 , wherein the delivery mechanism has an output section that outputs information indicating that delivery is in progress.

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