Radiotherapy facility

Abstract

A radiotherapy facility (9001) is provided with a treatment room group (4) comprising N treatment rooms (41), a preparation room group (9005) comprising M preparation rooms (9051 to 9055), and L patient transport devices (61) capable of transporting patients. The preparation room group includes a positioning area m2 for positioning a patient during treatment. The patient transport device can transport a patient between one or more treatment rooms and one or more positioning areas, and functions as a treatment table capable of adjusting the position of the patient in the one or more treatment rooms. N is at least 1, M is at least 1, and L is at least 2.

Description

Radiation therapy facility

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation therapy facility.

[0002] A particle beam therapy facility having a plurality of treatment rooms in which particle beam therapy is performed is known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 6632015

[0004] Since radiation therapy facilities have high introduction costs and maintenance expenses, medical institutions and the like that introduce these devices desire to improve profitability by treating more patients per unit time (for example, one day). In order to improve profitability, it is important to effectively utilize the resources of the facility. Further, the above-described prior art manages the schedule of the treatment rooms in the particle beam therapy facility, but does not mention the improvement of the treatment efficiency (that is, the improvement of profitability) of the entire facility including the preparation room and the like where treatment preparation is performed. One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of at least one of the above-described situations, and provides a novel radiation therapy facility.

[0005] The present invention may include the following embodiments: [Embodiment 1] A radiation therapy facility comprising: one or more treatment rooms; one or more positioning rooms; and one or more patient transport devices capable of transporting patients, wherein an X-ray CT scanner is provided in at least one of the one or more positioning rooms. [Embodiment 2] A particle beam therapy facility comprising: a group of N treatment rooms; a group of M preparation rooms; and L patient transport devices capable of transporting patients, wherein the group of preparation rooms includes at least one of: a setup area m1 for the patient to board the patient transport device; a positioning area m2 for positioning the patient during treatment; a treatment planning area m3 for confirming or modifying the treatment plan; and a set-down area m4 for the patient to disembark from the patient transport device, wherein the number L of the patient transport devices is equal to or greater than the number N of the treatment rooms (wherein N is 2 or more, and M is 1 or more). [Aspect 3] A particle beam therapy facility according to Aspect 2, wherein the number M of preparation rooms is greater than the number N of treatment rooms. [Aspect 4] A particle beam therapy facility according to Aspect 2 or 3, wherein the number L of patient transport devices is greater than the number M of preparation rooms. [Aspect 5] A particle beam therapy facility according to any one of Aspects 2 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the group of preparation rooms and the group of treatment rooms are separated by a passage through which the patient transport devices can pass, and the group of preparation rooms and the group of treatment rooms include portions facing each other. [Aspect 6] A particle beam therapy facility according to Aspect 5, wherein the passage includes a transport area through which the patient transport devices pass when moving between rooms, and a retreat area for other patient transport devices to take cover while one patient transport device is traveling through the transport area. [Aspect 7] A particle beam therapy facility according to Aspect 6, wherein the evacuation area is located at a position accessible from the middle of the route defined in the transport area. [Aspect 8] A particle beam therapy facility according to Aspect 6 or 7, wherein the evacuation area is located at a position adjacent to the end of the route defined in the route area.[Aspect 9] A particle beam therapy facility according to any one of aspects 2 to 8, wherein the number M of preparation rooms is 2 or more, and at least one of the M preparation rooms also serves as the setup area m1 and the positioning area m2. [Aspect 10] A particle beam therapy facility according to aspect 9, wherein at least a portion of the N patient transport devices are capable of autonomous driving. [Aspect 11] A particle beam therapy facility according to aspect 10, wherein the patient transport device is configured to allow the patient to enter and exit the preparation room and the treatment room while the patient is in the patient transport device.

[0006] Schematic diagram showing the outline of a radiotherapy facility according to one embodiment Schematic diagram showing the outline of the treatment room Schematic diagram showing the outline of the positioning room (a) is a front view of the patient transport device, (b) is a plan view thereof (a) to (f) are diagrams illustrating the parallel movement and rotation of the top plate of the patient transport device Diagram showing an outline of the control system Diagram showing an example of the layout of the treatment room and positioning room Figure showing an example of the layout of the positioning room Figure showing an example of the timetable for the treatment facility Figure showing an example of the timetable for the treatment facility Figure Schematic diagram showing an overview of a radiotherapy facility according to another embodiment (a) is a front view of the patient transport device, (b) is a plan view thereof Figure showing an overview of the control system Figure showing an example of the layout of the treatment room and preparation room Figure showing an example of the layout of the treatment room and preparation room Figure showing an example of the layout of the treatment room and preparation room Figure showing an example of the layout of the treatment room and preparation room Figure showing an example of the layout of the treatment room and preparation room Figure Figure showing a specific example of the evacuation area Enlarged view of area 81d in Figure 17

[0007] [Radiation Therapy Facility] <Overview> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a radiation therapy facility 1 according to one embodiment. The radiation therapy facility 1 is a facility that performs radiation therapy. The radiation used in radiation therapy may be photon beams or particle beams. Photon beams are X-rays or gamma rays, and particle beams are proton beams, neutron beams, or heavy ion beams. The radiation therapy facility 1 includes a radiation source 2, a radiation irradiation device 3, a group of treatment rooms 4, a group of positioning rooms 5, a group of patient transport devices 6, and a control system 7 (see Figure 6).

[0008] Radiation source 2 is a device that generates radiation. In the case of photon beam therapy, radiation source 2 is, for example, an X-ray generator or a gamma-ray generator. In the case of particle beam therapy, radiation source 2 is, for example, an accelerator such as a synchrotron, cyclotron, or linear accelerator.

[0009] The radiation irradiation device 3 is a device that controls the radiation generated by the radiation source 2 and irradiates the affected area of ​​the patient. In the case of photon beam therapy, the radiation irradiation device 3 controls the dose and irradiation position of the photons generated by the radiation source 2 and irradiates the affected area of ​​the patient in the treatment room included in the treatment room group 4. In this case, since the radiation source 2 (photon beam source) and the radiation irradiation device 3 (photon beam irradiation device) can be made smaller than particle beam devices, they can be configured to be installed in each of the treatment rooms included in the treatment room group 4.

[0010] In particle beam therapy, the radiation irradiation device 3 comprises a vacuum duct through which the particle beam passes, multiple electromagnet devices (not shown) that guide the particle beam and perform various adjustments, and an irradiation nozzle 31 (see Figure 2) installed in a treatment room included in the treatment room group 4. The radiation irradiation device 3 irradiates the affected area of ​​the patient, who is fixed to a treatment table, with a particle beam generated by the radiation source 2 (accelerator) through the irradiation nozzle 31 installed in a treatment room included in the treatment room group 4.

[0011] The electromagnet device of the radiation irradiation device 3 may include a quadrupole electromagnet device, a steering electromagnet device, a distribution electromagnet device, and / or a focusing electromagnet, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6364141 and Japanese Patent No. 6387476. Furthermore, the electromagnet device of the radiation irradiation device 3 may include a beam slit device for adjusting the shape and / or dose of the particle beam, and / or a steering electromagnet device for fine-tuning the beam position of the particle beam. The irradiation nozzles provided in the treatment rooms included in the treatment room group 4 may be the irradiation nozzles described in Japanese Patent No. 6387476 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-65824. The contents described in Japanese Patent No. 6364141, Japanese Patent No. 6387476, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-65824 are incorporated by reference.

[0012] In particle beam therapy, the particle beam radiation source 2 and radiation irradiation device 3 are generally expensive, so one set is often installed in the radiation therapy facility 1, but multiple sets may be installed.

[0013] <Therapy Room Group> Therapy Room Group 4 includes therapy rooms 41A and 41B. Hereafter, when describing common matters between therapy rooms 41A and 41B without distinguishing between them, they will simply be referred to as therapy room 41. Therapy room 41 is the room where radiation therapy is performed.

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the treatment room 41. In this embodiment, radiation therapy is performed in the treatment room 41 with the patient placed on the patient transport device 61. For example, the treatment room 41 may be equipped with the irradiation nozzle 31 of the radiation irradiation device 3 described above, and an X-ray imaging device 411 as a device for positioning the patient on the patient transport device 61. The X-ray imaging device 411 includes two X-ray generators 412a and 412b and two X-ray detectors 413a and 413b. The X-ray detectors 413a and 413b may be, for example, flat panel detectors. In addition, any known X-ray imaging device 411 can be used as appropriate. Furthermore, the treatment room 41 is provided with locking receivers 414 on the floor or walls. The fixing mechanism 616 of the patient transport device 61, which will be described later, engages with the locking receivers 414, thereby fixing the patient transport device 61 in the treatment room 41 so that it does not move relative to the floor.

[0015] In this embodiment, the radiotherapy facility 1 includes a group of treatment rooms 4, but as explained in the [Layout Example], a configuration with only one treatment room 41 is also possible. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as will be described later, an X-ray CT scanner 525 is provided in the positioning room 52, so an X-ray CT scanner 525 does not need to be provided in the treatment room 41.

[0016] <Positioning Chamber Group> The positioning chamber group 5 includes positioning chambers 51A, 51B, 52A, and 52B. Hereinafter, when describing common matters between positioning chambers 51A and 51B without distinguishing between them, they will simply be referred to as positioning chamber 51. Similarly, when describing common matters between positioning chambers 52A and 52B without distinguishing between them, they will simply be referred to as positioning chamber 52. As will be explained below, in this embodiment, there are two of each of the two types of positioning chambers, for a total of four.

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the positioning room 51. The positioning room 51 is a room in which the patient is positioned for treatment prior to radiation therapy (hereinafter referred to as "patient positioning"). The positioning room 51 differs from the positioning room 52 in that it does not have an X-ray CT scanner 525. By performing positioning in advance in the positioning room 51, the positioning when the patient transport device 61 moves to the treatment room 41 can be omitted or simplified, thereby reducing the time spent in the treatment room 41.

[0018] The positioning room 51 is equipped with various devices for positioning the patient (such as a laser pointer and an X-ray imaging device), and here an X-ray imaging device 511 is shown. The X-ray imaging device 511 includes two X-ray generators 512a and 512b and two X-ray detectors 513a and 513b. The X-ray detectors 513a and 513b may be, for example, flat panel detectors. Other known X-ray imaging devices can be used as appropriate. The positioning room 51 is also provided with a locking receiver 514 on the floor or wall. The fixing mechanism 616 of the patient transport device 61, which will be described later, engages with the locking receiver 514, thereby fixing the patient transport device 61 in the positioning room 51 so that it does not move relative to the floor.

[0019] For example, positioning in the positioning chamber 51 can be performed as follows. First, the patient enters the positioning chamber 51. At this time, the fixing mechanism 616 of the patient transport device 61 is engaged with the lock receiving part 514 of the positioning chamber 51, and the position of the patient transport device 61 relative to the floor is fixed. Next, the patient gets onto the top plate 611 of the patient transport device 61 which is waiting in the positioning chamber 51. Then, in order to prevent misalignment between the patient and the top plate 611, a fixing device is used to fix the patient so that it does not move relative to the top plate 611. Next, a rough positioning of the patient's position (particle beam irradiation position) is performed using a laser pointer or the like installed in the positioning chamber 51. After that, the particle beam irradiation position is positioned with high precision of less than a millimeter using an X-ray image or the like (also called "patient position setting" or "patient alignment"). This position adjustment is performed by controlling the drive unit 612 of the patient transport device 61 (see Figures 4(a) to 4(c)). By storing the position (angle) of each joint of the patient transport device as information at this time, the position after alignment in the positioning room 51 can be reproduced when the patient transport device 61 moves to the treatment room 41.

[0020] The positioning room 52, like the positioning room 51, is a room used to position the patient prior to radiation therapy. The positioning room 52 may be equipped with the same facilities as the positioning room 51 for positioning the patient. Therefore, patient positioning can be performed in the positioning room 52 in the same way as in the positioning room 51. In addition, the positioning room 52 is equipped with an X-ray CT scanner 525 (in-room CT). Imaging with the X-ray CT scanner 525 can be performed with the patient in the patient transport device 61.

[0021] Examples of uses for the X-ray CT scanner 525 installed in the positioning room 52 include the following: For example, when performing ART (Adaptive Radiation Therapy), a CT scan may be performed in the positioning room 52 before treatment, and the treatment plan for that day may be determined based on the results. Also, for example, in the first treatment of a prostate patient, a CT scan may be performed before treatment to confirm the reproducibility of the prostate-rectum position. Also, for example, in a prostate patient, a CT scan may be performed regularly (for example, once a week) to confirm the position of the prostate-rectum. Also, for example, in a prostate patient, if rectal gas is suspected, confirmation and treatment may be performed using CT images. Furthermore, medical staff may modify the treatment plan and change the irradiation parameters for that day if deemed necessary based on the acquired CT images.

[0022] Furthermore, when confirming the affected area and especially when performing ART, an MRI machine may be used in addition to the X-ray CT machine. In that case, by installing the MRI machine in the positioning room 51 and / or 52, it becomes unnecessary to install the MRI machine in the treatment room. As with the case of X-ray CT, this improves the operational efficiency of the radiation therapy facility. The MRI machine can also be used for purposes other than radiation therapy.

[0023] Furthermore, tasks that can be performed in positioning rooms 51 and / or 52 include confirming that the irradiation site is adequately reproduced as it was during treatment planning using ultrasound, confirming that the reference points for alignment are adequately reproduced as they were during treatment planning, and confirming that the positions of organs that move with respiration are adequately reproduced as they were during treatment planning. Methods for these confirmations include using ultrasound, laser pointers, projecting a three-dimensional light irradiation field onto the body surface, and confirming the body surface position with a three-dimensional camera.

[0024] When ART is performed, time is required for reviewing the treatment plan and transmitting data, but this time can also be allocated to moving the patient transport device 61 from the positioning room 52 to the treatment room 41, thus leading to the efficient operation of the radiation therapy facility 1.

[0025] In conventional designs, when the X-ray CT scanner 525 is installed in the treatment room 41, one patient will occupy the treatment room 41 until the CT scan and subsequent confirmation and treatment are completed, which may reduce the overall patient throughput of the facility. In this embodiment, by installing the X-ray CT scanner 525 in the positioning room 52, the CT-based treatment in the positioning room 52 and the radiation therapy in the treatment room 41 can be performed in parallel. This allows for effective utilization of the resources of the radiation therapy facility 1 and improves the overall patient throughput of the facility.

[0026] <Patient Transport Devices> Patient transport device group 6 includes patient transport devices 61A to 61D. Hereafter, when describing common matters without distinguishing between patient transport devices 61A to 61D, they will simply be referred to as patient transport device 61.

[0027] Figure 4(a) is a schematic perspective view of the patient transport device 61, Figure 4(b) is a schematic front view thereof, and Figure 4(c) is a schematic side view thereof. The patient transport device 61 is capable of transporting patients between the treatment room 41 and the positioning room 51 and / or positioning room 52, and also functions as a treatment table in the treatment room 41 in which the patient's position can be adjusted. Figure 7(a) is a front view of the patient transport device 61, and Figure 7(b) is a plan view of the patient transport device 61.

[0028] The patient transport device 61 includes a top plate 611 on which the patient is placed, a changing unit 612 for changing the orientation of the top plate 611, and a transport unit 613 for transporting the patient who is on the top plate 611.

[0029] (Tabletop 611) The tabletop 611 is equipped with fixing devices (not shown) for securing the patient's body. For example, the fixing devices include devices for securing the patient's head, devices for securing the patient's limbs, devices for securing the patient's torso, and / or cushioning material formed to conform to the shape of the patient's body. The tabletop 611 may also be configured so that parts of it, such as the parts that support the patient's head, legs, and / or torso, can be tilted. The tabletop 611 may also be provided with breathing holes or the like so that the patient can be secured even when lying face down on the tabletop 611. Furthermore, depending on the irradiation area, a partial tabletop shaped so that the tabletop and beam do not interfere with each other may be attached.

[0030] (Modified section 612) The modified section 612 includes an arm 612a, a three-axis rotation mechanism 612b, a vertical rotation mechanism 612c, a horizontal rotation mechanism 612d, and a sliding mechanism 612e.

[0031] The arm 612a moves the top plate 611 by being driven by a vertical rotation mechanism 612c, a horizontal rotation mechanism 612d, and a sliding mechanism 612e. A three-axis rotation mechanism 612b is provided between the arm 612a and the top plate 611. Furthermore, a vertical rotation mechanism 612c, a horizontal rotation mechanism 612d, and a sliding mechanism 612e are provided between the arm 612a and the transport unit 613.

[0032] In one embodiment, the arm 612a is a robot arm with a parallel link mechanism. In this case, the three-axis rotation mechanism 612b connected to the tip of the arm 612a can be mechanically kept horizontal. That is, the opposing links of the parallel links constituting the arm 612a are of equal length, and the arm 612a rotates while always maintaining symmetry. Therefore, even when the height of the arm 612a changes due to rotation by the vertical rotation mechanism 612c, the three-axis rotation mechanism 612b connected to the tip of the arm 612a can be kept horizontal. In this embodiment, the arm 612a is composed of only one link in the series direction. However, it may be an arm in which multiple links of a predetermined length are connected in series, such as an arm having an upper arm and a forearm. Also, the arm 612a does not have to be a parallel link.

[0033] The three-axis rotation mechanism 612b adjusts the angle of the top plate 611 at the tip of the arm 612a. The three-axis rotation mechanism 612b allows the top plate 611 to rotate around the left-right axis (pitch), the long axis (roll), and the up-down axis (yaw).

[0034] The vertical rotation mechanism 612c rotates the arm 612a around a horizontal axis so that the arm 612a moves vertically. The vertical rotation mechanism 612c connects to the end of the arm 612a opposite to the end that connects to the three-axis rotation mechanism 612b. The horizontal rotation mechanism 612d rotates the arm 612a around a vertical axis. The sliding mechanism 612e translates the arm 612a in the direction of the long axis of the top plate 611.

[0035] (Transportation Unit 613) The transportation unit 613 transports the patient who is sitting on the top plate 611. The transportation unit 613 not only houses various devices related to transport, but also has sufficient space to house the modification unit 612 and its connection parts, as well as devices related to the modification unit 612. For example, the transportation unit 613 includes a base 613a on which the modification unit 612 is provided, a plurality of wheels 613b mounted on the base 613a, a top plate control unit 1032 and a transport control unit 1031 placed inside the base 613a, and a fixing mechanism 616 (see Figures 2 and 3) provided on the base 613a. The top plate control unit 1032 performs processing and control related to the top plate 611 of the patient transport device 61. The transport control unit 1031 also performs processing and control related to the transport of the patient transport device 61.

[0036] Figure 5(a) illustrates the posture of the patient transport device 61 when a patient gets on or off the top plate 611. Figure 5(b) illustrates the posture of the patient transport device 61 during treatment. More specifically, Figure 5(b) shows the state where the tumor center of the patient, who is on the top plate, is located at the isocenter, which is the irradiation center. For example, the modification unit 612 can transition between the state in Figure 5(a) and the state in Figure 5(b) by driving at least the vertical rotation mechanism 612c and the horizontal rotation mechanism 612d.

[0037] <Control System> Figure 6 shows an overview of the control system 7. Each device in the radiation therapy facility 1 is controlled by the control system 7. The control system 7 includes a schedule management device 71, a treatment control device 72, a radiation irradiation control device 73, and an input / output terminal 74. These elements constituting the control system 7 may be able to communicate via a network such as a LAN or the Internet.

[0038] The schedule management device 71 acquires patient information and information related to radiation therapy from the treatment control device 72 and / or input / output terminal 74 via the network and stores it in its memory unit. Based on the acquired information, the schedule management device 71 generates a treatment schedule for radiation therapy on the treatment day.

[0039] The treatment control device 72 acquires patient information and information related to radiation therapy from the input / output terminal 74 via the network, which is entered by medical staff. Based on this information, the treatment control device 72 controls the radiation irradiation control device 73 to ensure that radiation is delivered appropriately to each patient.

[0040] The medical staff uses the treatment control device 72 to confirm the alignment (patient position setting) between the position of the radiation emitted from the irradiation nozzle and the area to be irradiated, and corrects any misalignment by controlling the patient transport device 61.

[0041] The radiation irradiation control device 73 controls the radiation source 2 and the radiation irradiation device 3. The radiation irradiation control device 20 controls the radiation dose, shape, irradiation time, and irradiation position. The radiation irradiation control device 20 is controlled by the treatment control device 72, which oversees the radiation therapy.

[0042] The input / output terminal 74 is a terminal equipped with various input / output means such as a personal computer, tablet PC, or smartphone, and sends patient information and radiation therapy-related information entered by medical staff to the treatment control device 72 and the radiation therapy schedule management device 71 via the network. The input / output terminal 74 also displays patient information and radiation therapy-related information, and receives and displays the radiation therapy treatment schedule generated by the schedule management device 71. Multiple input / output terminals 74 may be installed in the radiation therapy facility 1, or the functions of the input / output terminal 74 may be incorporated into the treatment control device 72 and / or the schedule management device 71.

[0043] Note that all of the schedule management device 71, the treatment control device 72, the radiation irradiation control device 73, and the input / output terminal 74 may be installed in the radiation treatment facility 1, or one or more of the schedule management device 71, the treatment control device 72, and the input / output terminal 74 may be installed in a facility different from the radiation treatment facility 1 (for example, a research facility different from the radiation treatment facility 1). Further, the function of the schedule management device 71 may be provided as a cloud service.

[0044] Here, the schedule management device 71, the treatment control device 72, and the radiation irradiation control device 73 are described as one device, but the functions of these devices may be realized by a plurality of devices. In other words, at least any one of the schedule management device 71, the treatment control device 72, and the radiation irradiation control device 73 may be a system constituted by a plurality of devices.

[0045] For example, each component of the control system 7 is an information processing device, and may have a communication unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, and these may be electrically connected via a communication bus inside the information processing device. Hereinafter, as an example, the communication unit 71a, the storage unit 71b, and the control unit 71c of the schedule management device 71 will be described, but the treatment control device 72, the radiation irradiation control device 73, and the input / output terminal 74 may also have a similar configuration.

[0046] The communication unit 71a is an interface for performing communication with other devices. Any known communication method can be used as appropriate. The storage unit 71b stores various information. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid-state drive that stores various programs related to the information processing device executed by the control unit 71c, or as a memory such as a random-access memory that stores temporarily necessary information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. A combination of these is also possible. The control unit 71c performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the information processing device. The control unit 71c is, for example, a central processing unit. The control unit 71c realizes various functions related to the information processing device by reading predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 71b. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 71b is concretely realized by the control unit 71c, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 71c. Note that the control unit 71c is not limited to being a single unit; it may be implemented with multiple control units 71c for each function, or a combination thereof.

[0047] As described above, according to this embodiment, the radiotherapy facility 1 comprises one or more treatment rooms (treatment rooms 41A and 41B), one or more positioning rooms (positioning room 51 and positioning room 52), and one or more patient transport devices 61. An X-ray CT scanner 525 is provided in at least one of the positioning rooms, which is positioning room 52. This allows for the simultaneous performance of CT-based procedures in positioning room 52 and radiotherapy in treatment room 41. This enables effective utilization of the resources of the radiotherapy facility 1 and improves the overall patient throughput of the facility.

[0048] Also, generally in a radiotherapy facility, a daily schedule for the treatment room is created and treatment proceeds according to it. However, variations in treatment preparation time due to the patient's condition and the like are inevitable. If we try to cope with such variations in the scheduling of treatment in the treatment room, we have to make a schedule with a time buffer in advance, and there is a risk that the number of patients that can be treated in a day will be limited.

[0049] In contrast, in the radiotherapy facility 1 of the present embodiment, variations in treatment preparation time can be absorbed in the positioning rooms 51 and 52. For example, among the patients who are preparing in parallel in the plurality of positioning rooms 51 and 52, the patient who finishes preparation first can be allocated to the treatment room 41. Alternatively, when a long time is required for preparation in the positioning room 51 or the positioning room 52, for the patient who is scheduled to use the positioning room 51 or 52 next, it is also possible to skip the preparation in the positioning room 51 or 52 and perform the preparation directly in the treatment room 41. In the present embodiment, due to the existence of the positioning rooms, such flexible countermeasures can be taken.

[0050] Also, ART including modification of the treatment plan involves time-consuming work (modification of the treatment plan, confirmation / approval of the dose distribution). By performing this in the positioning room 52 instead of the treatment room 41, treatment irradiation of other patients can be continued in the treatment room 41 during that time.

[0051] Also, in the present embodiment, instead of a treatment table installed in the treatment room 41, the patient transfer device 61 functions as a treatment table. Therefore, even if the patient transfer device 61 fails, it can be immediately replaced with another patient transfer device 61 and treatment can be continued. Also, since there is no treatment table installed in the treatment room 41, dedicated patient transfer devices 61 specialized for the patient type (children, elderly people with high care needs, etc.) can be used in parallel with general patient transfer devices 61. For example, in a patient transfer device 61 specialized for children, it is possible to adopt the use of a top plate and fixtures suitable for the size of children, incorporation of biological monitoring and communication tools, and the like.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a patient transport device 61 is used instead of a treatment table fixed in the treatment room 41, the equipment can be easily updated. Generally, while accelerators and beam irradiation systems can be used for a life cycle of 15 to 20 years or more, advances in peripheral technologies such as robot control and diagnostic equipment applied to the treatment table are faster than that life cycle. In the radiotherapy facility 1 of this embodiment, these technologies can be incorporated without making major modifications to the treatment room 41.

[0053] [Layout Examples] As described above, according to this embodiment, by providing the X-ray CT scanner 525 in the positioning room 52, patient throughput can be improved compared to the case where the X-ray CT scanner 525 is provided in the treatment room 41. Below, with reference to Figures 7 to 13, examples of the layout of the treatment room and positioning room when the X-ray CT scanner 525 is provided in the positioning room 52, and examples of operation in each layout will be described. In each figure, the arrows between rooms indicate that the movement of the patient transport device 61 between those rooms is assumed. The arrows in the loop shown in the treatment room 41 indicate that it is assumed that the patient walks into the treatment room 41 and receives treatment in the treatment room 41 using the patient transport device 61. In other words, it indicates that treatment without movement between rooms using the patient transport device 61 is assumed. The arrows in the loop shown in the positioning room 52 indicate that it is assumed that the X-ray CT scanner 525 in the positioning room 52 will be used for treatment planning. Additionally, dashed arrows indicate actions that are executed less frequently than solid arrows, or actions that are not typically executed but can be performed as a backup.

[0054] <Two Treatment Rooms + Two Positioning Rooms> Figure 7 shows an example layout with two treatment rooms 41 (treatment rooms 41A and 41B) and two positioning rooms (one positioning room 51 and one positioning room 52). This is the layout corresponding to Figure 1.

[0055] In this case, prostate patients are primarily treated in treatment room 41B (and positioning room 52 if necessary). A relatively large number of prostate patients are able to walk and get on and off the patient transport device 61. Such patients get on and off the patient transport device 61 and are positioned directly in treatment room 41B. On the other hand, the X-ray CT scanner 525 in positioning room 52 is used to confirm the reproducibility of the prostate-rectum position during the initial treatment of prostate patients, to periodically confirm the prostate-rectum position, or to check if rectal gas is suspected. In this way, for patients with relatively short treatment times who do not require CT, treatment can be completed only in treatment room 41B, and for patients with relatively long treatment times who require CT, preparation before treatment can be done in positioning room 52, thereby reducing the time treatment room 41 is occupied.

[0056] Furthermore, in treatment room 41A, positioning room 51, and positioning room 52, patients are primarily treated for areas other than the prostate. Generally, treatment of areas other than the prostate requires preparation time, and cases with multiple irradiation fields or respiratory gating may involve longer irradiation times. In addition, periodic CT scans are performed for confirmation and ART is carried out based on these scans, as well as ensuring the reproducibility and stability of respiration in respiratory-motivated irradiation patients. Performing these tasks in treatment room 41 could lead to an increase in the time treatment room 41 is occupied. In contrast, in this layout example, by using more positioning rooms than the number of treatment rooms, treatment preparations can be performed in the positioning rooms, thereby reducing the time patients are occupied in the treatment rooms.

[0057] Furthermore, if future expansion space can be secured outside the treatment room 41, it will be possible to expand to, for example, <2 treatment rooms + 4 positioning rooms> as described later, by adding positioning rooms while continuing patient treatment. Here, in an operational radiation therapy facility, adding treatment rooms without stopping treatment is difficult considering the costs, time, and radiation regulations, but it is possible to add positioning rooms. Therefore, it is possible to add positioning rooms while continuing treatment, and it will be possible to accommodate future increases in the number of patients and the frequency of CT use.

[0058] <Two treatment rooms + four positioning rooms> Figure 8 shows an example layout with two treatment rooms 41 (treatment rooms 41A and 41B) and four positioning rooms (positioning rooms 51A and 51B, and positioning rooms 52A and 52B).

[0059] In this case, prostate patients are primarily treated in treatment room 41B, positioning room 51B, and positioning room 52B. The X-ray CT scanner 525 in positioning room 52B is used to confirm the reproducibility of the prostate-rectum position during the initial treatment of prostate patients, to periodically confirm the prostate-rectum position, or to check for suspected rectal gas.

[0060] Furthermore, in treatment room 41A, positioning room 51A, and positioning room 52A, patients are primarily treated for areas other than the prostate. Generally, treatment of areas other than the prostate requires preparation time, and cases with multiple irradiation fields or respiratory gating may involve longer irradiation times. In addition, periodic CT scans and the implementation of ART based on these scans, as well as ensuring the reproducibility and stability of respiration in respiratory-motivated irradiation patients, are also performed. Performing these tasks in treatment room 41A may lead to an increase in the occupancy time of treatment room 41. In contrast, in this layout example, by using more positioning rooms than the number of treatment rooms, treatment preparations can be performed in the positioning rooms, thereby reducing the patient's occupancy time in the treatment rooms.

[0061] <Two Treatment Rooms + One Positioning Room> Figure 9 shows an example layout with two treatment rooms 41 (treatment rooms 41A and 41B) and one positioning room (positioning room 52). In this example, since there is only one positioning room, the required space and equipment costs can be reduced compared to other layout examples.

[0062] In this case, the patient does not typically move between rooms using the patient transport device 61; instead, they directly board, disembark from, position themselves on, and receive irradiation within the treatment room 41.

[0063] The positioning room 52 is used in cases where preparation for treatment takes time (for example, patients who use wheelchairs or patients with high care needs) or in cases where it is difficult to ensure the reproducibility and stability of respiration in respiratory-gated irradiation patients. In addition, the positioning room 52 allows for periodic confirmation of the target and vital organs using CT and the subsequent implementation of ART.

[0064] In this example, since movement between rooms in the patient transport device 61 is basically unnecessary, the treatment time for each patient can be reduced compared to cases where movement between rooms is required. On the other hand, in cases where preparation for treatment takes time, preparation for treatment is performed in the positioning room 52, which helps to suppress an extreme decrease in the patient throughput of the treatment room 41.

[0065] Furthermore, if future expansion space can be secured outside the treatment room 41, it will be possible to expand to, for example, <2 treatment rooms + 2 positioning rooms> or <2 treatment rooms + 2 positioning rooms> by adding positioning rooms while continuing patient treatment. Thus, it is possible to keep facility equipment introduction costs down while accommodating future increases in the number of patients and the frequency of CT use.

[0066] <One Treatment Room + Two Positioning Rooms> Figure 10 shows an example layout with one treatment room 41 (treatment room 41A) and two positioning rooms (positioning room 51 and positioning room 52). In this example, since there is only one treatment room, the required space and equipment costs can be reduced compared to other layout examples.

[0067] The conventional minimum configuration for a proton beam therapy facility was "one treatment room + one CT room for treatment planning." In this layout example, by using the CT scanner in positioning room 52 for treatment planning and adding one positioning room 51, it is possible to treat up to twice the number of patients per year compared to the conventional minimum configuration.

[0068] For example, in a conventional minimum case (one treatment room + one CT room for treatment planning), if 200 patients are treated per year, there would be approximately one new patient per day. This would result in a low utilization rate of the CT room for treatment planning, and the equipment might not be fully utilized. In this layout example, using the CT scanner in positioning room 52 for treatment planning can contribute to the effective utilization of the equipment.

[0069] <3 Treatment Rooms + 6 Positioning Rooms> Figure 11 shows an example layout with three treatment rooms 41 (treatment rooms 41A-41C) and six positioning rooms (positioning rooms 51A-51C and positioning rooms 52A-52C). This example layout assumes the maximum number of patients treated using a single accelerator.

[0070] This layout example is effective when actively performing ART (artificial respiration therapy) based on CT imaging to identify the target and vital organs during patient positioning. Clinically, it is considered useful when a large proportion of patients have conditions other than prostate problems, and when CT confirmation and ART further enhance dose concentration, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and shorten treatment duration. It is also useful in cases where one of the treatment rooms is used for research and development of new treatment methods in university research institutions, etc.

[0071] <3 Treatment Rooms + 4 Positioning Rooms> Figure 12 shows an example layout with three treatment rooms 41 (treatment rooms 41A-41C) and four positioning rooms (positioning rooms 51A-51B and positioning rooms 52A-52B). This example layout assumes a scenario where there is ample space for the proton beam therapy facility, and three treatment rooms are initially provided as additional building construction would be difficult. The positioning rooms can be reconsidered for future expansion, taking into account an increase in the number of patients and the utilization rate of the CT scanner.

[0072] Currently, the prostate is the most frequently treated area for proton beam therapy (60-80% or more of the total). In prostate treatment, where patients are often able to walk, the idea is that less transport using the patient transport device 61 and less CT confirmation are needed. This suggests reducing the number of treatment rooms compared to the current configuration of <3 treatment rooms + 6 positioning rooms>. The idea is to have prostate patients board and disembark from the patient transport device 61 and be positioned in the treatment room 41 as much as possible, while patients being treated in other areas would be treated in the positioning room 52, and ART would be performed on those other areas. However, if the number of proton beam therapy fractions (currently 20Fr) is reduced to aim for shorter treatment periods, the demand for pre-treatment CT confirmation (positional reproducibility of the prostate-rectal boundary) is expected to increase, and in that case, the demand for positioning room CT equipment / shuttle operation is expected to increase.

[0073] <Three Treatment Rooms + One Positioning Room> Figure 13 shows an example layout with three treatment rooms 41 (treatment rooms 41A to 41C) and one positioning room (positioning room 52). In this example layout, most patients do not move between rooms using the patient transport device 61, but instead board and alight from the patient transport device 61, are positioned, and receive irradiation within the treatment room 41. This is similar to the operation of conventional proton beam therapy facilities, but unlike installing an in-room CT in a specific treatment room, it enables flexible CT use that corresponds to the treatment room schedule. Furthermore, by using the CT in positioning room 52 for treatment planning, advanced ART can also be implemented.

[0074] Furthermore, if future expansion space can be secured outside the treatment rooms, it will be possible to expand to three treatment rooms plus three positioning rooms, for example, while continuing patient treatment, thus accommodating an increase in the number of patients being treated and an increase in the frequency of CT use.

[0075] [Example Timetable] Figure 14 shows an example timetable for treatment rooms 41, positioning rooms 51 and 52 in a radiation therapy facility 1. This example timetable shows the case where there are two treatment rooms 41, one positioning room 51 and one positioning room 52, and four patient transport devices 61.

[0076] Note that the time on the vertical axis (column direction) is represented by one cell as a unit. Possible unit sizes include 2 minutes, 2 minutes 30 seconds, and 3 minutes. 2 minutes / unit corresponds to 4-5 patients / (1 hour / 1 room), and clinically, this is assumed to be a case where prostate cancer is treated sequentially. 2 minutes 30 seconds / unit corresponds to about 3 patients / (1 hour / 1 room), and clinically, this is assumed to be a case where prostate cancer is the majority, but other sites (such as multi-field head and neck or respiratory gating) account for 20-30%. 3 minutes / unit corresponds to about 2.5 patients / (1 hour / 1 room), and clinically, this is assumed to be a case where the number of patients with prostate cancer and other conditions are roughly equal.

[0077] Here, we show an example of a scenario described in [Layout Example] <2 Treatment Rooms + 2 Positioning Rooms> where prostate patients are treated in treatment room 41B, and patients with conditions other than the prostate are treated in treatment room 41A, positioning room 51, and positioning room 52.

[0078] First, let's explain treatment room 41B. Patients walk into treatment room 41B, change clothes, and board the patient transport device 61. After the patient is positioned, irradiation is performed. Once the irradiation is complete, the patient changes clothes again and leaves treatment room 41B. By repeating this process, in this example, nine patients are treated in treatment room 41B in one day.

[0079] Next, we will describe the treatment room 41A, positioning room 51, and positioning room 52. First, the first patient of the day enters treatment room 41A on foot and receives treatment, similar to the case of treatment room 41B. While the first patient is receiving treatment in treatment room 41A, patient positioning is performed in positioning room 51 and positioning room 52. In positioning room 52, a CT scan and its confirmation are performed before positioning.

[0080] Patients who have received treatment in treatment room 41A are moved to the positioning room 51 while still on the patient transport device 61, and then disembark from the patient transport device 61. As the patient transport device 61 moves from treatment room 41A to the positioning room 51, the patient transport device 61 that was performing positioning in the positioning room 51 moves to treatment room 41A. For the second and subsequent patients, positioning is completed in either the positioning room 51 or the positioning room 52, so it is not necessary to perform positioning from scratch in treatment room 41A. After confirming that the position determined in the positioning room 51 or 52 can be reproduced in treatment room 41A, irradiation can proceed. Therefore, the time spent in treatment room 41A is shorter than when positioning is performed in treatment room 41A. From here on, patients are transported to treatment room 41A alternately from the two positioning rooms 51 and 52 for irradiation. In this example, 12 patients are treated in treatment room 41A per day.

[0081] Such a timetable can be created by the schedule management device 71 of the control system 7 based on information about the patients being treated that day. Furthermore, variations in time are unavoidable in treatment preparations such as positioning. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, these variations are absorbed by using positioning rooms 51 and 52, but if the variations cannot be absorbed, the schedule management device 71 can appropriately change the schedules of treatment rooms 41A and 41B.

[0082] Furthermore, the timetable in Figure 14 also takes into account the travel of the patient transport devices 61 in the corridor. When there are multiple patient transport devices 61, considering the travel of each patient transport device 61 in the corridor helps to prevent the patient transport devices 61 from passing each other in the corridor. For example, in Figure 14, tasks related to patient transport device 61A are enclosed in bold solid lines, and tasks related to patient transport device 61B are enclosed in bold dotted lines. The usage times of patient transport devices 61A and 61B in the corridor are adjusted so as not to overlap. While one patient transport device 61 is traveling in the corridor, the other patient transport devices 61 may be moved to a predetermined evacuation position.

[0083] Figure 15 shows an example timetable for a case with one treatment room 41, one positioning room 51 and one positioning room 52, and three patient transport devices 61. In this example, processing can be carried out in the same flow as in treatment room 41A, positioning room 51 and positioning room 52 in Figure 14.

[0084] Figure 16 shows an example of a timetable when positioning rooms 51 and / or 52 are not provided. When positioning rooms 51 and / or 52 are not provided, the patient's getting on and off the treatment table and CT scanning will be performed in the treatment room 41. As a result, the treatment room occupancy time per patient will be longer compared to when positioning rooms 51 and / or 52 are not provided.

[0085] For example, even without CT scanning, the number of patients that can be treated with the same number of units as in the examples in Figures 14 and 15 is 8, which is fewer than in the examples in Figures 14 and 15 when positioning rooms 51 and / or 52 are used. Furthermore, if CT scanning is performed once out of three irradiation sessions, or if CT scanning is performed once out of two irradiation sessions, the number of patients that can be treated is 7, and the number of patients that can be treated decreases even further.

[0086] In this way, patient throughput can be improved by using the positioning chambers 51 and / or 52.

[0087] [Other Embodiments] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a radiotherapy facility 9001 according to another embodiment. The radiotherapy facility 9001 is a facility that performs radiotherapy. The radiation used in radiotherapy may be photon beams or particle beams. Photon beams are X-rays or gamma rays, and particle beams are proton beams, neutron beams, or heavy ion beams. The radiotherapy facility 9001 includes a radiation source 9002, a radiation irradiation device 9003, a group of treatment rooms 4, a group of preparation rooms 9005, a group of patient transport devices 6, and a control system 9007 (see Figure 18). Hereinafter, components similar to those in the radiotherapy facility 9001 according to the above embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0088] The radiation source 9002 is a device that generates radiation. In the case of photon therapy, the radiation source 9002 is, for example, an X-ray generator or a gamma-ray generator. In the case of particle therapy, the radiation source 9002 is, for example, an accelerator such as a synchrotron, cyclotron, or linear accelerator. The radiation source 9002 is placed on the floor of the radiation therapy facility 9001. It may be installed above or below the floor of the radiation therapy facility 9001 in order to correct the dispersion function of the beam irradiated from the radiation source 9002. The dispersion function is a coefficient that represents the correlation of the positional deviation from the design trajectory caused by the momentum difference of the individual charged particles that make up the charged particle beam. This dispersion function is generated when the charged particle beam passes through a bending electromagnet, and as a result, positional deviation of the irradiation position of the charged particle beam from the isocenter occurs, or the shape of the charged particle beam is distorted from the desired shape. Therefore, the dispersion function of the charged particle beam needs to be as close to zero as possible at the isocenter. It is known that a dispersion function is deliberately generated along the beam path in order to make the dispersion function as close to zero as possible at the isocenter, and for this purpose, it is necessary to create a difference in height between the radiation source 9002 and the radiation irradiation device 3. In this case, the radiation source 9002 can be installed above or below the floor on which the radiation irradiation device 3 is located in the radiation therapy facility 9001. More specifically, the radiation source 9002 can be installed in a radiation source placement area 9002A that extends from the floor on which the radiation irradiation device 3 is located in the radiation therapy facility 9001 and extends above or below the floor due to a difference in height (see Figure 17).

[0089] The radiation irradiation device 9003 is a device that controls the radiation generated by the radiation source 9002 and irradiates the affected area of ​​the patient. In the case of photon beam therapy, the radiation irradiation device 3 controls the dose and irradiation position of the photons generated by the radiation source 9002 and irradiates the affected area of ​​the patient in the treatment room included in the treatment room group 4. When the radiation source 9002 and the radiation irradiation device 3 are used as a photon beam source and a photon beam irradiation device, respectively, they can be made smaller compared to a particle beam device, so it is possible to have a configuration in which a photon beam source and a photon beam irradiation device are installed in each treatment room included in the treatment room group 4.

[0090] Furthermore, the radiation therapy facility 9001 includes a passageway 81. Each patient transport device 61 of the patient transport device group 6 can travel between each treatment room of the treatment room group 4 and each preparation room of the preparation room group 9005 via the passageway 81. That is, it is possible to move from each preparation room to all treatment rooms. For example, compared to a case where treatment rooms and preparation rooms are provided in a one-to-one correspondence, patients who have finished preparation in the preparation room can be flexibly distributed to the treatment rooms, making it easier to suppress a decrease in patient throughput even if preparation takes longer than expected. The passageway 81 also includes a transport area 81a through which the patient transport devices 61 pass when moving between rooms, and an evacuation area 81b for other patient transport devices 61 to take cover while one patient transport device 61 is traveling through the transport area 81a.

[0091] <Therapy Room Group> Therapy room group 4 includes therapy rooms 41A and 41B. Hereafter, when describing common matters without distinguishing between therapy rooms 41A and 41B, they will simply be referred to as therapy room 41. Therapy room 41 is the room in which radiation therapy is performed. In this embodiment, therapy room group 4 consists of two therapy rooms 41 (N=2). However, the number N of therapy rooms 41 can be set as appropriate, as long as it is 2 or more. It is preferable that each therapy room 41A and 41B is constructed without any steps that would hinder the movement of the patient transport device 61, so that the patient transport device 61 can move easily. The outline of therapy room 41 is shown in Figure 2.

[0092] Incidentally, a fixed treatment table may be installed in the treatment room 41 for transporting the patient to the radiation irradiation device 3. In such a configuration, for example, in the treatment room 41, a motor is needed to move or operate the treatment table itself in order to transport the patient to the radiation irradiation device 3 or X-ray imaging device 411 by placing the patient on a treatment table fixed on a turntable installed on the floor of the treatment room 41. This motor may be driven to move the treatment table back and forth or to rotate the turntable or tabletop on the floor on which the treatment table is installed. Such a motor may be placed under the floor of the treatment room 41 in order to save space within the treatment room 41. Therefore, a depth or thickness sufficient to embed the motor under the floor is required, and if such an environment cannot be provided, it becomes difficult to construct the radiation therapy facility 9001.

[0093] In contrast, in this embodiment, since the patient transport device 61 described later is provided, the treatment room 41 does not need to have a treatment table fixed to the radiation therapy facility 9001. Furthermore, there are no motors installed under the floor of the treatment room to move or operate the treatment table or the top plate of the treatment table. Having such a configuration increases the degree of freedom when constructing the radiation therapy facility 9001. Specifically, if the patient transport device 61 is movable within the radiation therapy facility 9001, the constraint of embedding the motors under the floor as described above is removed, thus increasing the degree of freedom in construction.

[0094] The treatment room 41 includes a storage section for storing fastening devices used to secure patients on the patient transport device 61.

[0095] <Preparation Room Group> The preparation room group 9005 includes preparation rooms 9051 to 9055. In this embodiment, the preparation room group 9005 consists of 5 preparation rooms (M=5). However, the number of preparation rooms M can be 1 or more and can be set as appropriate.

[0096] In this embodiment, each preparation room 9051 to 9054 includes at least one of a setup area m1, a positioning area m2, a treatment planning area m3, and a set-down area m4. Specifically, preparation rooms 9051 and 52 include a setup area m1. Preparation room 9053 includes a positioning area m2 and a treatment planning area m3. Preparation room 9054 includes a treatment planning area m3. Preparation room 9055 includes a set-down area m4. Preferably, each preparation room 9051 to 9054 is configured without any steps that would hinder the movement of the patient transport device 61, so that the patient transport device 61 can move easily.

[0097] The setup area m1 is the area where the patient boards the patient transport device 61. When the patient boards the patient transport device 61 in the setup area m1, the patient is secured to the top plate 611 of the patient transport device 61 by fixing devices (not shown) provided on the top plate 611 of the patient transport device 61. The setup area m1 may be provided with a fixing device storage area (not shown) for storing the fixing devices.

[0098] The positioning area m2 is an area for positioning the patient during treatment. When the patient is transported from the setup area m1 to the positioning area m2 while riding in the patient transport device 61, the patient is positioned in the positioning area m2.

[0099] The outline of the positioning area m2 is the same as the outline of the positioning room 51 shown in Figure 3, so the explanation will be omitted as appropriate. By performing positioning in advance in the positioning area m2, the positioning when the patient transport device 61 moves to the treatment room 41 can be omitted or simplified, thereby reducing the time spent in the treatment room 41.

[0100] For example, in the positioning area m2, positioning can be performed as follows. First, the patient transport device 61, carrying the patient, enters the positioning area m2 from the setup area m1. Then, the fixing mechanism 616 of the patient transport device 61 engages with the lock receiving part 514 of the positioning area m2, fixing the position of the patient transport device 61 relative to the floor. Next, a rough positioning of the patient's position (particle beam irradiation position) is performed using a laser pointer or the like installed in the positioning area m2. After that, the particle beam irradiation position is positioned with high precision of less than a millimeter using an X-ray image or the like (also called "patient position setting" or "patient alignment"). This position adjustment is performed by controlling the modification part 612 of the patient transport device 61 (see Figures 4(a) to 4(b)). By storing the position (angle) of each joint of the patient transport device as information, the position after alignment in the positioning area m2 can be reproduced when the patient transport device 61 moves to the treatment room 41.

[0101] It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the patient is placed on the patient transport device 61 waiting in the positioning area m2, rather than the patient being placed on the patient transport device 61 in the setup area m1. In this case, in the positioning area m2, fixing devices are used to secure the patient to the tabletop 611 in order to prevent misalignment between the patient and the tabletop 611. In such a case, the setup area m1 may be omitted. Alternatively, the positioning area m2 may also serve as the setup area m1.

[0102] Furthermore, tasks that can be performed in positioning area m2 include confirming that the irradiation target area is sufficiently reproduced as it was during treatment planning using ultrasound, confirming that the alignment reference points are sufficiently reproduced as they were during treatment planning, and confirming that the positions of organs that move with respiration are sufficiently reproduced as they were during treatment planning. Methods for these confirmations include using ultrasound, laser pointers, projecting a 3D light irradiation field onto the body surface, and confirming the body surface position with a 3D camera.

[0103] The treatment planning area m3 is an area for confirming or modifying the treatment plan in ART (Adaptive Radiation Therapy). An X-ray CT scanner 9080 (in-room CT) is installed in the treatment planning area m3. Imaging with the X-ray CT scanner 9080 can be performed while the patient is in the patient transport device 61. It should be noted that the actual treatment planning does not need to be done in the treatment planning area m3. After imaging with the X-ray CT scanner 9080 installed in the treatment planning area m3, the treatment planning using the imaging results can be done in a different room within the same radiation therapy facility or in a remote location where there is a terminal for creating treatment plans.

[0104] As mentioned above, the X-ray CT scanner 9080 (see Figure 17) located in the treatment planning area m3 performs CT scans before treatment when ART is performed. In ART, the content of the treatment for that day may be determined or changed according to the results of the CT scan.

[0105] Furthermore, the X-ray CT scanner 9080 installed in the treatment planning area m3 can be used not only for treatment planning in ART, but also for the following purposes. For example, in the initial treatment of a prostate patient, a CT scan may be performed before treatment to confirm the reproducibility of the prostate-rectum position. Also, for example, in a prostate patient, a CT scan may be performed regularly (for example, once a week) to confirm the position of the prostate-rectum. Also, for example, in a prostate patient, if rectal gas is suspected, confirmation and treatment may be performed using CT images. Medical staff may also modify the treatment plan and change the irradiation parameters for the day if deemed necessary based on the acquired CT images. The modified irradiation parameters are transmitted to the particle beam therapy device, and treatment may be performed with the modified design parameters on the day of treatment.

[0106] In this embodiment, by installing the X-ray CT scanner 9080 in the treatment planning area m3 of the preparation room instead of the treatment room 41, the patient's occupancy time in the treatment room 41 can be reduced. Furthermore, when confirming the affected area or performing ART in particular, an MRI scanner may be used in addition to the X-ray CT scanner. In that case, by installing the MRI scanner in either of the preparation rooms, it becomes unnecessary to install the MRI scanner in the treatment room. As with the X-ray CT scanner, this improves the operational efficiency of the radiation therapy facility. Moreover, the MRI scanner can be used for purposes other than radiation therapy.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when performing ART, time is required for reviewing the treatment plan and transmitting data, but all or part of that time can be allocated to moving the patient transport device 61 from the treatment planning area m3 to the treatment room 41, which leads to the efficient operation of the radiation therapy facility 9001.

[0108] In contrast, if the X-ray CT scanner 9080 is installed in the treatment room 41 as in the conventional method, one patient will occupy the treatment room 41 until the CT scan and subsequent confirmation and treatment are completed, which may reduce the overall patient throughput of the facility. In this embodiment, by installing the X-ray CT scanner 9080 in the treatment planning area m3, CT-based treatment in the treatment planning area m3 and radiation therapy in the treatment room 41 can be performed in parallel. This allows for effective utilization of the resources of the radiation therapy facility 9001 and improves the overall patient throughput of the facility.

[0109] The set-down area m4 is the area where the patient disembarks from the patient transport device 61. Once irradiation in the treatment room 41A is complete, the patient transport device 61 carrying the patient moves to the preparation room 9055 where the set-down area m4 is located. After moving, the patient disembarks from the patient transport device 61. In addition, the set-down area m4 may also be used for tasks such as removing restraints from the patient, returning the removed restraints to the restraint storage room or restraint storage area, changing the patient's clothes, and waiting for the patient to recover from the effects of anesthesia and other medications administered for radiation therapy.

[0110] Furthermore, a single preparation room, such as preparation room 9053, may have multiple areas, or multiple areas may overlap within a preparation room. For example, the same part of a single preparation room may serve as both the setup area m1 and the set-down area m4, or as both the setup area m1 and the positioning area m2. In addition, in each area, multiple patients and patient transport devices 61 may perform operations (such as boarding and alighting patients, positioning, and changing treatment plans) in parallel.

[0111] Furthermore, a power receiving area for charging the patient transport device 61 may be provided in at least one of the preparation rooms. By charging the patient transport device 61 during or in parallel with preparations in the preparation room, it is possible to prevent the patient transport device 61 from running out of charge while the radiation therapy facility 9001 is in operation.

[0112] Furthermore, from a clinical standpoint, preparation rooms may be provided that are specialized for different types of patients (e.g., children, elderly people with high care needs). For example, a configuration with separate preparation rooms for adults and children is also possible.

[0113] The radiation therapy facility 9001 may include Route R1 (main corridor), which is the movement route for patients and medical personnel, and Route R2 (secondary corridor), which is the movement route for patients only. In addition to patient transport equipment, Route R1 may also carry equipment for transporting equipment used to secure patients on the patient transport equipment, and general-purpose transport equipment for transporting specimens, drugs, and waste. Route R2 (secondary corridor), which is the movement route for patients only, is a facility for patients to enter and exit the preparation room group 9005, but it is not a mandatory configuration, and it may be configured so that patients can enter and exit the preparation room group 9005 via Route R1. Furthermore, the equipment for transporting equipment and general-purpose transport equipment may be configured to pass through Route R2 (secondary corridor).

[0114] In this embodiment, the area through which the patient transport device 61 passes, including the treatment room group 4, the preparation room group 9005, and route R1, is provided with a magnetic line tape for the patient transport device 61 to move by magnetic induction. As will be described later, the patient transport device 61 is equipped with a transport device position sensor 614 that detects the magnetic line tape and moves along the magnetic line tape. Note that known technologies can be appropriately adopted for the configuration that allows the patient transport device 61 to move along the route.

[0115] <Patient Transport Devices> The patient transport device group 6 includes patient transport devices 61A to 61E. Hereafter, when describing common matters without distinguishing between patient transport devices 61A to 61E, they will simply be referred to as patient transport device 61. In this embodiment, the patient transport device group 6 consists of five patient transport devices 61 (L = 5). However, the number L of patient transport devices 61 can be set as appropriate, as long as it is greater than or equal to the number N of treatment room group 4. The patient transport devices 61 move along route R1 located in the radiation therapy facility 9001.

[0116] Figure 18(a) is a front view of the patient transport device 61, and Figure 18(b) is a plan view thereof. The patient transport device 61 can transport patients between the treatment room 41 and the preparation rooms 9051-9055. In other words, the patient transport device 61 is configured to allow patients to enter and exit the preparation rooms 9051-9055 and the treatment room 41 while they are on the device. The patient transport device 61 also functions as a treatment table in the treatment room 41, with adjustable patient positioning. In the following, components similar to those of the patient transport device 61 in the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figures 4(a)-(b) and 5(a)-(b), and their descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0117] The patient transport device 61 includes a top plate 611 on which a patient is placed, a changing unit 612 for changing the orientation of the top plate 611, and a transport unit 613 for transporting the patient on the top plate 611. The patient transport device 61 includes a motor, battery, processor, memory, and input / output interface. For example, in one embodiment, the patient transport device 61 includes a battery, a motor configured to drive a plurality of wheels, a memory configured to store the characteristics of a selected member of route R1, and a processor configured to control the motor and the plurality of wheels so that the transport unit 613 moves along the selected member of route R1. The patient transport device 61 also includes a transport device position sensor 614 and a movement direction changing unit 615.

[0118] The top plate control unit 1032 performs processing and control related to the top plate 611 of the patient transport device 61. The transport control unit 1031 performs processing and control related to the transport of the patient transport device 61. The change control unit 1033 performs processing and control related to the rotation and sliding movements of the arm 612a. Alternatively, a circuit such as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) may be provided to realize the functions of the transport control unit 1031, the top plate control unit 1032, and the change control unit 1033.

[0119] Furthermore, the patient transport device 61 may be capable of autonomous movement by the transport control unit 1031. For example, the transport control unit 1031 may autonomously travel between the treatment room group 4 and the preparation room group 9005 in response to instructions from the transport control device 75, which will be described later.

[0120] (Transportation device position sensor 614) The transport device position sensor 614 is configured to determine the position of the patient transport device 61 within the radiation therapy facility 9001 and the distance to obstacles on route R1. For example, the transport device position sensor 614 includes a sensor for detecting the position of the patient transport device 61 and a sensor for detecting the distance between the patient transport device 61 and obstacles. Known technologies can be used as appropriate for these sensors. The patient transport device 61 moves along a transport path provided on route R1. For example, if route R1 is a magnetically guided magnetic line tape, the transport device position sensor 614 is configured to detect the radio frequency position signal emitted by the magnetic line tape (i.e., to detect its own position). Alternatively, a configuration can be adopted in which a camera on the patient transport device 61 recognizes and tracks markers marked in the radiation therapy facility 9001. In addition, if the patient transport device 61 is equipped with a transmitting device such as RFID, monitoring devices installed in each room and on routes R1 and R2 within the radiation therapy facility 9001 may be configured to know the position of the patient transport device 61. Furthermore, ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, millimeter-wave radar, etc., can be used as sensors to detect the distance to obstacles.

[0121] In another embodiment, the position of the patient transport device 61 within the radiation therapy facility 9001 can be determined by a position tracking unit 80, which will be described later.

[0122] (Movement direction changing section 615) The movement direction changing section 615 is provided to smoothly change the direction of travel of the patient transport device 61 on route R1, whether a patient is placed on the top plate 611 or not. The movement direction changing section 615 is, for example, a member that can protrude from the bottom of the transport section 613, and is configured so that when the movement direction changing section 615 hits the floor, it lifts the patient transport device 61 and allows it to rotate at any angle (for example, 90 degrees) around the center of the patient transport device 61 as an axis.

[0123] <Control System> Figure 19 shows an overview of the control system 7. Each device in the radiation therapy facility 9001 is controlled by the control system 7. The control system 7 includes a schedule management device 71, a treatment control device 72, a radiation irradiation control device 73, an input / output terminal 74, and a transport control device 75. These elements constituting the control system 7 may be able to communicate via a network such as a LAN or the Internet.

[0124] The schedule management device 71 acquires patient information and information related to radiation therapy from the treatment control device 72 and / or input / output terminal 74 via the network and stores it in its memory unit. Based on the acquired information, the schedule management device 71 generates a treatment schedule for radiation therapy on the treatment day.

[0125] The treatment control device 72 acquires patient information and information related to radiation therapy from the input / output terminal 74 via the network, which is entered by medical staff. Based on this information, the treatment control device 72 controls the radiation irradiation control device 73 to ensure that radiation is delivered appropriately to each patient.

[0126] The medical staff uses the treatment control device 72 to confirm the alignment (patient position setting) between the position of the radiation emitted from the irradiation nozzle and the area to be irradiated, and corrects any misalignment by controlling the patient transport device 61.

[0127] The radiation irradiation control device 73 controls the radiation source 9002 and the radiation irradiation device 3. The radiation irradiation control device 20 controls the radiation dose, shape, irradiation time, and irradiation position. The radiation irradiation control device 20 is controlled by the treatment control device 72, which oversees the radiation therapy.

[0128] The input / output terminal 74 is a terminal equipped with various input / output means such as a personal computer, tablet PC, or smartphone, and sends patient information and radiation therapy-related information entered by medical staff to the treatment control device 72 and the radiation therapy schedule management device 71 via the network. The input / output terminal 74 also displays patient information and radiation therapy-related information, and receives and displays the radiation therapy treatment schedule generated by the schedule management device 71. Multiple input / output terminals 74 may be installed in the radiation therapy facility 9001, or the functions of the input / output terminal 74 may be incorporated into the treatment control device 72 and / or the schedule management device 71.

[0129] The transport control device 75 comprehensively controls the patient transport device group 6. For example, the transport control device 75 may instruct the patient transport device 61 to autonomously travel based on instructions from the input / output terminal 74 and / or based on a schedule generated by the schedule management device 71. For example, once positioning in the positioning area m2 is complete, the medical professional in charge may transmit an instruction to transport to the treatment room 41 to the transport control device 75 via the input / output terminal 74.

[0130] The transport control device 75 may include a position tracking unit that tracks the location of one or more patient transport devices 61 in the radiation therapy facility 9001. The position tracking unit includes, for example, multiple monitoring devices in each room of the radiation therapy facility 9001, including the treatment room group 4, the preparation room group 9005, and route R1, as well as a position information receiving unit and a position information output unit. Each monitoring device includes a monitoring unit and a position information transmitting unit. If the monitoring unit is an infrared camera, infrared cameras installed in each room and on route R1 detect patient transport devices 61 equipped with infrared markers. When an infrared camera detects a patient transport device 61, the position information transmitting unit transmits the position information of the patient transport device 61 to the position information receiving unit. The position information of the patient transport device received by the position information receiving unit is output by the position information output unit, making it accessible to medical personnel and others within the radiation therapy facility 9001. If the radiation therapy facility 9001 is equipped with the transport control device 75, the monitoring unit and other components can be connected to the transport control device 75 via a wired connection. Therefore, unintended disconnections of wireless connections are eliminated, thereby improving the safety of the control system. In addition, known technologies can be used as appropriate for the configuration of the positioning unit.

[0131] Furthermore, the schedule management device 71, treatment control device 72, radiation irradiation control device 73, input / output terminal 74, and transport control device 75 may all be installed within the radiation therapy facility 9001, or one or more of the schedule management device 71, treatment control device 72, input / output terminal 74, and transport control device 75 may be installed in a facility other than the radiation therapy facility 9001 (for example, a research facility different from the radiation therapy facility 9001). In addition, the functions of the schedule management device 71 may be provided as a cloud service.

[0132] Furthermore, although the schedule management device 71, treatment control device 72, radiation irradiation control device 73, and transport control device 75 are described here as a single device, the functions of these devices may be realized by multiple devices. In other words, at least one of the schedule management device 71, treatment control device 72, radiation irradiation control device 73, and transport control device 75 may be a system composed of multiple devices.

[0133] For example, each component of the control system 7 is an information processing device, and may have a communication unit, a storage unit, and a control unit, which may be electrically connected via a communication bus within the information processing device. Below, as an example, the communication unit 71a, storage unit 71b, and control unit 71c of the schedule management device 71 will be described. The communication unit 72a, storage unit 72b, and control unit 72c of the treatment control device 72, the communication unit 73a, storage unit 73b, and control unit 73c of the radiation irradiation control device 73, the communication unit 74a, storage unit 74b, and control unit 74c of the input / output terminal 74, and the communication unit 75a, storage unit 75b, and control unit 75c of the transport control device 75 may have the same configuration as the communication unit 71a, storage unit 71b, and control unit 71c, respectively.

[0134] The communication unit 71a is an interface for performing communication with other devices. Any known communication method can be used as appropriate. The storage unit 71b stores various information. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid-state drive that stores various programs related to the information processing device executed by the control unit 71c, or as a memory such as a random-access memory that stores temporarily necessary information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. A combination of these is also possible. The control unit 71c performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the information processing device. The control unit 71c is, for example, a central processing unit. The control unit 71c realizes various functions related to the information processing device by reading predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 71b. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 71b is concretely realized by the control unit 71c, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 71c. Note that the control unit 71c is not limited to being a single unit; it may be implemented with multiple control units 71c for each function, or a combination thereof.

[0135] The radiation therapy facility 9001 may be equipped with a storage facility for securing patients on the patient transport device. In this case, the device may be configured to transport the devices by traveling back and forth between the storage facility and the storage area for the devices in each treatment room 41 via route R1. Furthermore, when the device or general-purpose transport device uses route R2 (secondary corridor), the patient transport device 61 may be operated in such a way that it avoids passing the device or general-purpose transport device, and that the patient transport devices 61 pass each other preferentially.

[0136] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, the radiotherapy facility 9001 comprises two or more treatment rooms (treatment rooms 41A and 41B), one or more preparation rooms (preparation rooms 9051 to 9055), and two or more patient transport devices (patient transport devices 61A to 61E). Because there are multiple treatment rooms 41 and the number L of patient transport devices 61 is equal to or greater than the number N of treatment rooms 41 (L≧N), the resources of the radiotherapy facility 9001 can be effectively utilized by the treatment rooms 41, and the overall patient throughput of the facility can be improved. In one embodiment, the number L of patient transport devices 61 may be greater than the number N of treatment rooms 41 (L>N). In this case, even when the treatment rooms 41 are occupied, preparation using the patient transport devices 61 can be carried out in the preparation rooms 9051 to 9055. If the number L of patient transport devices 61 is the same as the number of treatment rooms 41, then, for example, even if one treatment room is unavailable for use due to repairs or dose measurement, the other treatment room can be operated and the patient transport devices 61 activated to perform treatment, while the remaining patient transport devices 61 are operated in the preparation room. As soon as treatment is completed, the patient, who has finished preparing, can be transported to the other treatment room to begin treatment. Furthermore, if the setup and positioning time is short, it is also possible to have the patient move directly to the treatment room. In this case, the time required to transport the patient from the preparation room to the treatment room, the time required to prepare the orientation and position of the top plate of the patient transport device 61 in the treatment room, the time required to fix the position of the top plate relative to the radiation irradiation device, and the time required to confirm the position can be omitted. As a result, the radiation therapy facility 9001 can be operated efficiently. In addition, when CT or MRI scans are taken in the preparation room, the patient must get on and off the treatment table in both the treatment room and the preparation room, but by providing patient transport devices 61, such double work can be eliminated, and treatment efficiency can be improved.

[0137] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of preparation rooms M is greater than the number of treatment rooms N (M > N). In the radiation therapy facility 9001, reducing the occupancy time of each patient's treatment room 41 can contribute to improving patient throughput. Also, generally, due to cost and space constraints, increasing the number of treatment rooms can be more difficult than increasing the number of preparation rooms. In this embodiment, by making the number of preparation rooms M greater than the number of treatment rooms N, many of the tasks other than irradiation that were conventionally performed in the treatment room 41 (such as patient entry and exit, positioning, etc.) can be performed in the preparation rooms. This can reduce the occupancy time of each patient's treatment room 41 and contribute to improving patient throughput.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the preparation room group 9005 (preparation rooms 9051-9053, 9055) and the treatment room group 4 are separated by a passage 81 through which the patient transport device 61 can pass. At least a portion of the preparation room group 9005 (preparation rooms 9051-9053, 9055) and the treatment room group 4 include portions that face each other. In other words, at least a portion of the preparation room group 9005 (preparation rooms 9051-9053, 9055) and the treatment room group 4 include portions that directly face each other. This shortens the travel distance between rooms for the patient transport device 61, thereby reducing the time required for travel. Reducing the travel time also reduces the possibility of situations where a patient moves on the tabletop 611 after being positioned in the positioning area m2, requiring repositioning in the treatment room 41.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since movement is possible between the treatment room group 4 and the preparation room group 9005 via the passage 81, it is possible to move from any of the preparation rooms 9051 to 9055 to any of the treatment rooms 41. This allows for more flexible allocation of the patient transport device 61 to the treatment rooms 41 compared to, for example, a case where the preparation rooms and treatment rooms are connected and arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, even if the preparation of a patient takes longer than expected, the schedule can be flexibly changed, thereby suppressing delays in the plan.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the passage 81 includes a transport area 81a and a retraction area 81b, it is possible to avoid the patient transport devices 61 passing each other even when the movement times of multiple patient transport devices 61 overlap. When two patient transport devices 61 pass each other in a passage, at least one patient transport device 61 must slow down (or stop temporarily) to avoid the other patient transport device 61, which may reduce transport efficiency. By providing a retraction area 81b, the patient transport devices 61 can move smoothly, thus suppressing a decrease in the operational efficiency of the radiation therapy facility 9001.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the evacuation area 81b is located adjacent to the end of the route R1 defined in the transport area 81a. The end of the route R1 tends to be dead space, and by utilizing such an area as the evacuation area 81b, the space can be used effectively.

[0142] Furthermore, the evacuation area may be positioned in a location accessible from partway along the route R1 defined in the transport area 81a. For example, the evacuation area 81c may be provided in a location that avoids the entrances to the treatment room 41 and the preparation rooms 9051-9055 (see Figure 17). The entire patient transport device 61 may be able to enter the evacuation area 81c, or only a part of the patient transport device 61 may be able to enter. By providing the evacuation area 81c in a location accessible from partway along the route R1 defined in the transport area 81a, other patient transport devices 61 that had been evacuated to the evacuation area 81c can enter the treatment room 41A immediately after the patient transport device 61 carrying the treated patient leaves the treatment room 41A. If the evacuation area 81c is not provided, the other patient transport devices 61 must wait in the preparation rooms 9051-9054 until the patient transport device 61 carrying the treated patient returns to the preparation room 9055. By providing the evacuation area 81c, operational efficiency can be improved compared to when it is not provided.

[0143] <Variations in the control of the patient transport device> The patient transport device 61 is equipped with a warning emitter that issues a warning when the transport device position sensor 614 detects an obstacle on the route R1. The warning may be, for example, by sound or light. After the warning emitter issues a warning, if the transport device position sensor 614 detects an obstacle again, the warning emitter sends a stop signal to the transport control unit 1031, and upon receiving the stop signal, the transport control unit 1031 controls the motor to stop the patient transport device 61.

[0144] Furthermore, while radiation therapy facilities generally create a daily schedule for the treatment room and proceed with treatment accordingly, variations in treatment preparation time due to the patient's condition are unavoidable. If one attempts to address such variations through the treatment room's scheduling, it becomes necessary to create a schedule with ample buffer time from the outset, which may limit the number of patients that can be treated in a day.

[0145] In contrast, in the radiation therapy facility 9001 of this embodiment, variations in treatment preparation time can be absorbed by preparation rooms 9051 to 9055. For example, among patients being prepared in parallel in multiple preparation rooms 9051 to 9055, patients who are ready first can be assigned to treatment room 41. Alternatively, if there is a patient who is taking longer than expected to prepare, it is possible to skip preparation in the preparation room for the patient who was scheduled to use the preparation room next and have them prepare directly in treatment room 41. In this embodiment, the presence of preparation rooms 9051 to 9055 allows for such flexible responses.

[0146] Furthermore, ART, which includes modifying the treatment plan, involves time-consuming tasks (modifying the treatment plan, confirming and approving the dose distribution). By performing these tasks in the treatment planning area m3 instead of the treatment room 41, treatment irradiation for other patients can continue during this time. Moreover, preparations can be carried out in parallel in other areas of the preparation room, such as the setup area m1 and the positioning area m2.

[0147] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the patient transport device 61 functions as a treatment table rather than a treatment table permanently installed in the treatment room 41. Therefore, even if the patient transport device 61 malfunctions, it can be immediately replaced with another patient transport device 61 and treatment can continue. Also, since it is not a treatment table permanently installed in the treatment room 41, a dedicated patient transport device 61 tailored to the type of patient (e.g., children, elderly people with high care needs) can be used in parallel with a general patient transport device 61. For example, a patient transport device 61 tailored to children can be equipped with a tabletop and fixing devices suitable for the size of children, and incorporate vital sign monitoring and communication tools.

[0148] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a patient transport device 61 is used instead of a treatment table fixed in the treatment room 41, the equipment can be easily updated. Generally, while accelerators and beam irradiation systems can be used for a life cycle of 15 to 20 years or more, advances in peripheral technologies such as robot control and diagnostic equipment applied to the treatment table are faster than that life cycle. In the radiation therapy facility 9001 of this embodiment, these technologies can be incorporated without making major modifications to the treatment room 41.

[0149] Furthermore, for example, if the treatment table (movable parts such as arms for positioning) is fixed in the positioning area m2 and the treatment room 41 respectively, and only the tabletop on which the patient is placed is detached and transported on a trolley or the like, there is a risk that variations in positioning may occur between the treatment table in the positioning area m2 and the treatment table in the treatment room 41 due to mechanical tolerances, etc. In contrast, in this embodiment, a patient transport device 61 equipped with a modification unit 612 is used, so that the same modification unit 612 controls the position of the tabletop 611 in both the positioning area m2 and the treatment room 41. This makes it possible to suppress variations in positioning between rooms.

[0150] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the patient transport device 61 is capable of autonomous movement. This makes it possible to reduce the number of employees at the radiation therapy facility 9001.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the patient transport device 61 is configured to allow the patient to enter and exit the preparation rooms 9051-9055 and the treatment room 41 while the patient is on the patient transport device 61. This reduces the amount of simultaneous work in each room compared to a configuration in which the patient is placed on a detachable top plate and the top plate with the patient is placed on the treatment table in the destination room each time the room is moved. Moreover, by providing such a patient transport device 61, positioning in the preparation room, irradiation in the treatment room, and transport within the radiation therapy facility can be performed in a continuous flow.

[0152] As a variation, the number L of patient transport devices 61 may be greater than the number M of preparation rooms. In actual operation, it is necessary to consider the movement of patient transport devices 61 between rooms. Having more patient transport devices 61 than the number M of preparation rooms makes it easier to perform work in each preparation room and move the patient transport devices 61 in parallel, thereby reducing waiting times in preparation rooms and treatment rooms.

[0153] <Operation Example> Referring to Figure 17, an operation example of the radiation therapy facility 9001 will be explained. First, the patient undergoing treatment boards the patient transport device 61 in the setup area m1 of the preparation room 9051 or 9052. The patient transport device 61, carrying the patient, moves autonomously or by operation of a medical professional to the positioning area m2. Once positioning is complete in the positioning area m2, the patient transport device 61, carrying the patient, moves autonomously or by operation of a medical professional to the treatment room 41A or 41B. Once irradiation is complete, the patient transport device 61, carrying the patient, moves autonomously or by operation of a medical professional to the preparation room 5. In the set-down area m4 of the preparation room 9055, the patient disembarks from the patient transport device 61. Treatment for one patient is completed in this manner. Furthermore, since other patients can be positioned in the positioning area m2 while one patient is undergoing irradiation in the treatment room 41, other patients can be irradiated in the treatment room 41 quickly after one patient has completed irradiation in the treatment room 41.

[0154] Furthermore, in radiation therapy facility 9001, treatment planning area m3 is provided in preparation rooms 9053 and 9054. Since preparation room 9053 is a preparation room equipped solely with treatment planning area m3, time-consuming tasks (modification of treatment plan, confirmation and approval of dose distribution) can be performed without affecting other preparations such as patient positioning.

[0155] <Layout Examples> Below, examples of treatment room and preparation room layouts will be described with reference to Figures 20-24. In each figure, solid arrows indicate the assumed movement of the patient transport device 61 carrying a patient. Dashed arrows indicate the assumed movement of a patient not on the patient transport device 61 (on foot, in a wheelchair, etc.).

[0156] Figure 20 shows an example layout in which multiple preparation rooms 9501-9504 are provided, each having a different function (different area). In this example, the number of treatment rooms N is 2, and the number of preparation rooms M is 4. The number L of patient transport devices 61 may be 4 or more.

[0157] In this example, the patient first boards the patient transport device 61 in the setup area m1 of the preparation room 9501. The patient transport device 61, with the patient on board, moves to the positioning area m2 of the preparation room 9502. The patient is positioned in the positioning area m2. After that, the patient transport device 61, with the patient on board, moves to the treatment room 41A or 41B. Once irradiation is completed in the treatment room 41A or 41B, the patient transport device 61, with the patient on board, moves to the set-down area m4 of the preparation room 9504. The patient disembarks from the patient transport device 61 in the set-down area m4 and then leaves the preparation room 9504. After the patient disembarks, the patient transport device 61 moves back to the setup area m1.

[0158] In this example, the patient transport device 61 carrying the patient can be moved from preparation rooms 9501 and 9502 to preparation room 9503. In the treatment planning area m3 of preparation room 9503, the treatment plan can be confirmed or modified. In addition, in the positioning area m2 of the preparation room, two or more patient transport devices 61 may perform positioning in parallel. Furthermore, for at least some patients, they may be asked to move themselves to the positioning area m2 instead of the setup area m1, and then board the patient transport device 61 and be positioned in the positioning area m2. Also, for at least some patients, after irradiation is completed in treatment room 41A or 41B, they may be asked to disembark from the patient transport device 61 within the treatment room.

[0159] Figure 21 shows an example layout where multiple preparation rooms 9511-9512 are provided, and some of the preparation rooms serve multiple functions (i.e., multiple areas exist). In this example, the number of treatment rooms N is 2, and the number of preparation rooms M is 3. The number L of patient transport devices 61 may be 2 or more.

[0160] In this example, the patient first boards the patient transport device 61 in the setup area m1 of the preparation room 9511. The patient transport device 61, with the patient on board, moves to the positioning area m2 of the preparation room 9512. The patient is positioned in the positioning area m2. After that, the patient transport device 61, with the patient on board, moves to the treatment room 41A or 41B. Once irradiation is completed in the treatment room 41A or 41B, the patient transport device 61, with the patient on board, moves to the set-down area m4 of the preparation room 9511. The patient disembarks from the patient transport device 61 in the set-down area m4 and exits the preparation room 9514. After the patient disembarks, the patient transport device 61 moves to the setup area m1.

[0161] Furthermore, in this example, since the preparation room 9511 serves as both a setup area m1 and a set-down area m4, the patient transport device 61 does not need to move to the setup area m1 after the patient disembarks in the set-down area m4. Therefore, the next patient can quickly board the patient transport device 61 after the previous patient disembarks, reducing the time the patient transport device 61 is empty and allowing for effective use of the patient transport device 61.

[0162] Furthermore, for at least some patients, they may be asked to move themselves to the positioning area m2 instead of the setup area m1, and then board and be positioned on the patient transport device 61 waiting in the positioning area m2. Also, for at least some patients, after irradiation is completed in the treatment room 41A or 41B, they may be asked to disembark from the patient transport device 61 within the treatment room.

[0163] Figure 22 shows an example layout where multiple preparation rooms 9521A to 9521C are provided, and each preparation room has a complete set of functions (a complete set of areas exists). In this example, the number of treatment rooms N is 3, and the number of preparation rooms M is 3. The number L of patient transport devices 61 may be 3 or more.

[0164] This section describes the procedure when a patient prepares in preparation room 9521A, but the procedure is similar for preparation rooms 9521B to 9521C. First, the patient boards the patient transport device 61 in the setup area m1 of preparation room 9521A. The patient transport device 61, with the patient on board, moves to the positioning area m2 of preparation room 9521A. The patient is positioned in the positioning area m2. After that, the patient transport device 61, with the patient on board, moves to one of the treatment rooms 41A to 41C. Once irradiation is completed in one of the treatment rooms 41A to 41C, the patient transport device 61, with the patient on board, moves to the set-down area m4 of one of the preparation rooms 9521A to 9521C. Here, the destination preparation room may be, for example, the one with the shortest travel distance. In this case, as shown in the example in Figure 22, the patient moves from treatment room 41A to preparation room 9521A, from treatment room 41B to preparation room 9521B, and from treatment room 41C to preparation room 9521C. Alternatively, for example, the schedule management device 71 may determine the destination preparation room according to the availability of each preparation room 9521A to 9521C. When the patient disembarks from the patient transport device 61 in the set-down area m4, the patient exits the preparation room. After the patient disembarks, the patient transport device 61 moves to the setup area m1.

[0165] Furthermore, for at least some patients, they may be asked to move themselves to the positioning area m2 instead of the setup area m1, and then board and be positioned on the patient transport device 61 waiting in the positioning area m2. Alternatively, the setup area m1 and the set-down area m4 may be omitted for at least some preparation rooms. Also, for at least some patients, after irradiation is completed in the treatment rooms 41A to 41C, they may be asked to disembark from the patient transport device 61 within the treatment room. In this case, the set-down area m may also be omitted. In this case, after irradiation is completed in the treatment rooms 41A to 41C, the patient transport device 61 may return to the setup area m1, where the treated patient disembarks and the next patient boards.

[0166] Figure 23 shows an example layout where one preparation room 9531 is provided and the preparation room 9531 has all the necessary functions (i.e., all the necessary areas exist). In this example, the number of treatment rooms N is 3 and the number of preparation rooms M is 1. The number L of patient transport devices 61 may be 3 or more.

[0167] In this example, the preparation room 9531 is provided with three units (units U1 to U3), each including a setup area m1, a positioning area m2, a treatment planning area m3, and a set-down area m4. In this embodiment, the number of treatment rooms and the number of units are the same. However, the number of units may be greater than the number of treatment rooms, or the number of treatment rooms may be greater than the number of units.

[0168] First, the patient boards the patient transport device 61 in one of the setup areas m1 of the preparation room 9531. The patient transport device 61, carrying the patient, moves to the positioning area m2 within the same unit. The patient is positioned in the positioning area m2. After that, the patient transport device 61, carrying the patient, moves to one of the treatment rooms 41A to 41C. Once irradiation is completed in one of the treatment rooms 41A to 41C, the patient transport device 61, carrying the patient, moves to the set-down area m4 of one of the units in the preparation room 9531. Here, the destination unit may be, for example, the preparation room with the shortest travel distance. In this case, as shown in the example in Figure 23, the patient moves from treatment room 41A to unit U1, from treatment room 41B to unit U2, and from treatment room 41C to unit U3. Alternatively, for example, the schedule management device 71 may determine the destination preparation room according to the availability of each unit U1 to U3. The patient disembarks from the patient transport device 61 in the set-down area m4 and exits the preparation room. After the patient disembarks, the patient transport device 61 moves to the setup area m1.

[0169] Furthermore, for at least some patients, they may be asked to move themselves to the positioning area m2 instead of the setup area m1, and then board and be positioned on the patient transport device 61 waiting in the positioning area m2. Alternatively, the setup area m1 may be omitted for at least some preparation rooms. Also, for at least some patients, after irradiation is completed in the treatment rooms 41A to 41C, they may be asked to disembark from the patient transport device 61 within the treatment room.

[0170] Furthermore, each unit does not necessarily have to have the same configuration. For example, only some of units U1 to U3 may have a treatment planning area m3. Also, for example, the setup area m1 may be omitted in some units.

[0171] Figure 24 shows an example layout where multiple preparation rooms 9541-9542 are provided, and some of the preparation rooms serve multiple functions. In this example, the number of treatment rooms N is 3, and the number of preparation rooms M is 3. The number L of patient transport devices 61 may be 3 or more.

[0172] In this example, preparation room 9541 is provided with a setup area m1 and a positioning area m2. Additionally, preparation room 9542 is provided with a treatment planning area m3, and preparation room 90543 is provided with a set-down area m4.

[0173] First, the patient boards the patient transport device 61 in the setup area m1 of the preparation room 9541. The patient transport device 61, carrying the patient, moves to the positioning area m2 in the preparation room 90541. Patient positioning is performed in the positioning area m2. In this example, patient positioning can be performed in parallel in the positioning area m2 using the same number of patient transport devices 61 as there are treatment rooms 41. After that, the patient transport device 61, carrying the patient, moves to one of the treatment rooms 41A to 41C. Once irradiation is completed in one of the treatment rooms 41A to 41C, the patient transport device 61, carrying the patient, moves to the set-down area m4 of the preparation room 9543. The patient disembarks from the patient transport device 61 in the set-down area m4 and leaves the preparation room. After the patient disembarks, the patient transport device 61 moves to the setup area m1 of the preparation room 9541.

[0174] Furthermore, for at least some patients, they may be asked to move themselves to the positioning area m2 instead of the setup area m1, and then board and be positioned on the patient transport device 61 waiting in the positioning area m2. Alternatively, the setup area m1 may be omitted. If the setup area m1 is omitted, the positioning area m2 can be said to also function as the setup area. Alternatively, the setup area m1 and the positioning area m2 may be provided overlapping. In addition, for at least some patients, after irradiation is completed in the treatment rooms 41A to 41C, they may be asked to disembark from the patient transport device 61 within the treatment room.

[0175] <Variation 1 of the passing layout for multiple patient transport devices> Here, we will explain the case where two patient transport devices pass each other in opposing directions. For example, Figure 25 is a diagram showing a specific example of a retraction area 81c. As shown in Figure 25, in places where patient transport devices may pass each other, the magnetic line tape is divided into two directions, and a first passing section R1a and a second passing section R1b are provided, so that patient transport devices can pass each other. When one patient transport device 61A passes to the right side in the diagram, patient transport device 61A moves to the first passing section. At this time, patient transport device 61A sends a deceleration signal to the other patient transport device 61B by the transmitting unit (provided in the transport device position sensor 614). Patient transport device 61B receives the deceleration signal by the receiving unit (provided in the transport device position sensor 614). Upon receiving a deceleration signal via the receiving unit, the transport control unit 1031B controls the motor to decelerate the transport unit 613B and controls the patient transport device 61B to move towards the second passing unit R1b. Then, the patient transport devices 61A and 61B complete their passing by moving in different directions along the magnetic line tape.

[0176] Alternatively, when patient transport device 61A passes to the right side in the diagram, and moves to the first passage section, patient transport device 61A may be configured to send a stop signal to the other patient transport device 61B via a transmitting unit (provided in the transport device position sensor 614). In this case, the receiving unit of patient transport device 61B receives the stop signal transmitted by the transmitting unit of patient transport device 61A. Upon receiving the stop signal via the receiving unit, the transport control unit 1031B controls the motor to decelerate the transport unit 613B and controls patient transport device 61B to stop on route R1 at the second passage section R1b. When patient transport device 61A moves to the first passage section, the transmitting unit of patient transport device 61A transmits a movement start signal to patient transport device 61B. Upon receiving the movement start signal via the receiving unit, the transport control unit 1031B restarts the motor and guides patient transport device 61B to the second passage section R1b. Then, the patient transport devices 61A and 61B complete their passing by moving in different directions along the magnetic line tape. Since the patient transport device 61B slows down or stops when it moves to the second passing section R1b, the second passing section R1b can be considered a retraction area on the route RI. Multiple first passing sections R1a and second passing sections R1b may be provided on the route RI.

[0177] <Variation 2 of the passing layout for multiple patient transport devices> Passing of multiple patient transport devices 61 can also occur when entering and exiting the preparation room and treatment room. Figure 26 is an enlarged view of area 81d in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 26, an entry route R1c and an exit route R1d may be provided between the preparation room or treatment room and the corridor within the radiation therapy facility 9001. The distance between the entry route R1c and the exit route R1d is such that the patient transport devices 61A and 61B do not interfere with each other. This allows for simultaneous entry and exit while avoiding interference between the two patient transport devices 61.

[0178] Furthermore, when two different patient transport devices 61A and 61B pass each other in the passage 81, it is conceivable that when patient transport device 61A is about to exit the treatment room, patient transport device 61B may be waiting near the entrance to the treatment room in order to enter it. In this case, patient transport device 61A may turn to exit the treatment room and return to routes R1 and R2. At this time, it is necessary to consider the width and turning radius of patient transport devices 61A and 61B. Therefore, if patient transport device 61B is waiting in the evacuation area 81b which is set up to take into account the turning of patient transport device 61A, a smooth passing can be achieved. In addition, if patient transport devices 61A and 61B are equipped with a movement direction changing section 615, it becomes unnecessary for patient transport devices 61A and 61B to turn, and patient transport devices 61A and 61B can easily pass each other.

[0179] The present invention has been described above based on each embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the technologies described in each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, or known technologies may be combined with the technologies of the above embodiments as appropriate.

[0180] 1 radiation therapy facility, 4 treatment rooms, 41 treatment rooms, 5 positioning rooms

Claims

It is a radiation therapy facility, A group of treatment rooms consisting of N treatment rooms, A group of preparation rooms consisting of M preparation rooms, A patient transport device with an L-shaped platform capable of transporting patients, Equipped with, The aforementioned group of preparation rooms includes a positioning area m2 for positioning the patient during treatment. The patient transport device is capable of transporting a patient between one or more treatment rooms and one or more positioning areas m2, and functions as a treatment table in one or more treatment rooms in which the patient's position can be adjusted. Radiation therapy facilities (where N is 1 or greater, M is 1 or greater, and L is 2 or greater). 　 The aforementioned group of preparation rooms is A setup area m1 for the patient to board the patient transport device, A treatment planning area m3 for confirming or modifying the treatment plan, It includes at least one of the following: a set-down area m4 for the patient to disembark from the patient transport device, The number L of the patient transport devices is equal to or greater than the number N of the treatment rooms in the radiotherapy facility according to claim 1 (wherein N is 2 or more, and M is 1 or more). A radiotherapy facility according to claim 1, The number of preparation rooms M is greater than the number of treatment rooms N. Radiation therapy facility. A radiotherapy facility according to claim 1 or 2, The number L of the patient transport devices is greater than the number M of the preparation rooms. Radiation therapy facility. A radiotherapy facility according to claim 1, At least a portion of the aforementioned preparation room group and the aforementioned treatment room group are, The aforementioned patient transport device is provided on either side of a passage through which it can pass. At least a portion of the aforementioned preparation room group and the aforementioned treatment room group include portions that face each other, Radiation therapy facility. A radiotherapy facility according to claim 5, The aforementioned passage is a transport area through which the patient transport device passes when moving between rooms, Includes a relocation area for other patient transport devices to move out of the way while one patient transport device is traveling through the transport area, Radiation therapy facility. A radiotherapy facility according to claim 6, The aforementioned evacuation area is located in a position that allows access from a point along the route defined in the aforementioned transport area. Radiation therapy facility. A radiotherapy facility according to claim 6, The aforementioned evacuation area is located adjacent to the end of the route defined in the aforementioned route area. Radiation therapy facility. A radiotherapy facility according to claim 1, The number M of the preparation rooms is 2 or more, and of the M preparation rooms, at least one preparation room serves as both the setup area m1 and the positioning area m2. Radiation therapy facility. A radiotherapy facility according to claim 9, At least some of the N patient transport devices are capable of autonomous movement. Radiation therapy facility. A radiotherapy facility according to claim 10, The patient transport device is configured to allow the patient to enter and exit the preparation room and the treatment room while the patient is in the patient transport device. Radiation therapy facility. A radiotherapy facility according to claim 1, An X-ray CT scanner is provided in at least one of the M preparation rooms n. Radiation therapy facility.

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