An x-ray imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to receive measured projection data from a wide aperture scan of a wide axial region and a narrow aperture scan of a narrow axial region within the wide axial region and determine an estimated scatter in the wide axial region using an optimized scatter estimation technique. The optimized scatter estimation technique is based on the difference between the measured scatter in the narrow axial region and the estimated scatter in the narrow axial region. Kernel-based scatter estimation/correction techniques can be fitted to minimize the scatter difference in the narrow axial region and thereafter applying the fitted (optimized) kernel-based scatter estimation/correction to the wide axial region. Optimizations can occur in the projection data domain or the reconstruction domain. Iterative processes are also utilized.

Multimodal imaging apparatus and methods include a rotatable gantry system with multiple sources of radiation comprising different energy levels (for example, kV and MV). Fast slip-ring technology and helical scans allow data from multiple sources of radiation to be combined or utilized to generate improved images and workflows, including for IGRT. Features include increasing the precision of spatial registrations between respective image sets to allow more precise radiation treatment delivery, reducing image artifacts (e.g., scatter, metal and beam hardening, image blur, motion, etc.), and utilization of dual energy imaging (e.g., for material separation and quantitative imaging, patient setup, online adaptive IGRT, etc.).

An x-ray imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to process projection data from an offset detector during a helical scan, including view completion. The detector may be offset in the channel and/or axial direction. Projection data measured from a current view is combined with projection data measured from at least one conjugate view to reconstruct a target image. A two-dimensional aperture weighting scheme is used to address data redundancy.

The present invention relates to a method to improve the anti-tumour effects of immune checkpoint therapy by combining the use of a checkpoint inhibitor with ultralow dose whole body irradiation. The present invention enhances the anti-tumour effects of immune checkpoint therapy by reducing tumour volume as well as shortening the response time of the immune checkpoint therapy, as compared to immune checkpoint therapy on its own.

The disclosure provides a radiotherapy system, comprising: a bed, for supporting the patient; and a bridge, comprising one or more rolling elements for supporting the bed and allowing the bed to be moved along a surface of the bridge. The one or more rolling elements are located at respective fixed positions in the bridge.

A method of a radiotherapy or radiosurgery treatment comprises steps of: (a) providing a converging x-ray beam source configured for emitting a converging X-ray beam propagating along an axis thereof; (b) emitting the converging x-ray beam towards a volume of treatment (VOT) having a length along the axis of the converging X-ray beam ranging between 2 mm and 5 cm within a patient's body such that a waist portion is within the VOT; (c) propagating the beam through tissues previously located relative to the VOT (PO); the VOT per se and tissues distally located to the VOT (DO). The converging X-ray beam characterized by a convergent angle ranging between 2 and 30 degrees providing 80% to 100% of a maximum dose is received by the VOT and less than 60% of the maximum dose is received by the PO and the DO.

A quality control device which enables all the routine quality controls of linear particle accelerators (LINACs), which are used in radiation oncology, to be performed automatically. The quality control device includes a sensor panel having at least twenty one first optical sensors, at least two laser distance sensors, at least two g-sensors, at least one second optical sensor disposed at a depth of 1 mm from a surface of the sensor panel, and a 2 mm diameter hole located on the surface of the sensor panel above the at least one second sensor; a measurement panel including at least one linear light detector and at least one linear radiation detector for determining an isocenter that receives light and a possible cross-wire angle by performing a light area scanning; an inclinometer providing an angle correction by obtaining angle information from each position of the measurement panel; and a motorized system.

A method of accumulating radium radionuclides, comprising providing a first solution including thorium radionuclides and a thorium-binding extractant, wherein the first solution does not bind to radium, allowing a portion of the thorium radionuclides in the first solution to decay into radium atoms and collecting radium atoms resulting from the decay. The collected radium atoms may be included in a solution in which brachytherapy sources are dipped, in a manner which collects the radium atoms onto the source.

A particle beam guiding system (1a, 1b, 1c) for receiving an incoming particle beam (6a, 6b, 6c) along an incoming trajectory (T1) and controlling an exit energy level and an exit trajectory (T3) of the particle beam, wherein the particle beam guiding system comprises an attenuator (22) for adjusting the energy level of the particle beam; a first beam guide (26) positioned downstream of the attenuator, comprising first and second guiding dipoles, each comprising two magnets for creating magnetic fields for deflecting the particle beam from the incoming trajectory into an intermediate trajectory (T2), wherein the first dipole of the first beam guide is arranged to deflect the particle beam in a first plane, and the second dipole of the first beam guide is arranged to deflect the particle beam in a second plane which is orthogonal to the first plane; and a second beam guide (28) positioned downstream of the first beam guide, comprising first and second guiding dipoles, each comprising two magnets for creating magnetic fields for deflecting the particle beam from the intermediate trajectory into the exit trajectory, wherein the first dipole of the second beam guide is arranged to deflect the particle beam in a first plane and the second dipole of the second beam guide is arranged to deflect the particle beam in a second plane which is orthogonal to the first plane. A radiotherapy system comprising such particle beam guiding systems is also disclosed.

A quality control device which enables all the routine quality controls of linear particle accelerators (LINACs), which are used in radiation oncology, to be performed automatically.