A method and related system to adjust an existing treatment plan. A second optimization is run based on a dual objective function system that includes a first objective function used for the optimization in respect of the existing plan and a second, extended objective function that includes the said first objective function as a functional component.

A universal phantom includes a first phantom and a second phantom. The first phantom comprises a plurality of radiation markers. The second phantom comprises a plurality of optical markers. The second phantom is fixedly attachable to the first phantom in a predetermined position. A calibration method employs a universal phantom to consolidate the tasks of determining the isocenter of a radiation machine, calibrating optical devices, and registering the optical devices in a radiation coordinate system with origin at the isocenter.

A radiotherapy apparatus is disclosed, with a linear accelerator for producing a beam of electrons, a target aligned with the electron beam, the target being capable of producing photons when electrons are incident thereon, and a material which is capable of producing neutrons when photons of sufficient energy are incident thereon. A neutron detector capable of providing a signal to a controller of the linear accelerator is provided, the controller being capable of varying the energy of the electrons of the electron beam.

A skin patch sensor having a groove therein to receive a sensor without leaving any air pockets is described. The skin patch sensor also has a water or tissue equivalent material and/or, in some embodiments, a moldable water equivalent material.

Apparatus and methods for controlling a radiotherapy electron beam. Exemplary embodiments provide for focusing the electron beam at different depths by altering parameters of a plurality of magnets. Exemplary embodiments can also provide for focusing the electron beam at different depths while maintaining the energy level of the electron beam at a consistent level.

In one aspect, radioactive nanoparticles are described herein. In some embodiments, a radioactive nanoparticle described herein comprises a metal nanoparticle core, an outer metal shell disposed over the metal nanoparticle core, and a metallic radioisotope disposed within the metal nanoparticle core or within the outer metal shell. In some cases, the radioactive nanoparticle has a size of about 30-500 nm in three dimensions. In addition, in some embodiments, the radioactive nanoparticle further comprises an inner metal shell disposed between the metal nanoparticle core and the outer metal shell. The metal nanoparticle core, outer metal shell, and inner metal shell of the radioactive nanoparticle can have various metallic compositions.

In the present invention, a ferroelectric body is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and the ferroelectric body is caused to stably generate electric potential. A method for radiating charged particles, in which the UV-light-receiving surface of the ferroelectric body that receives UV light and is caused to generate a potential difference is irradiated with UV light having a wavelength not transmitted by the ferroelectric body, and charged particles are radiated from the charged-particle-radiation surface of the ferroelectric body, wherein the UV-light-receiving surface is irradiated with pulses of UV light at a peak power of 1 MW or greater. The pulse width of the UV light is measured in picoseconds (less than 1×10.sup.−9 seconds), and the UV pulses can be transmitted by fiber.

An apparatus comprising a radiation source, coincident positron emission detectors configured to detect coincident positron annihilation emissions originating within a coordinate system, and a controller coupled to the radiation source and the coincident positron emission detectors, the controller configured to identify coincident positron annihilation emission paths intersecting one or more volumes in the coordinate system and align the radiation source along an identified coincident positron annihilation emission path.

Apparatus for planning a diffusing alpha-emitter radiation therapy (DaRT) treatment session. The apparatus includes an output interface and a memory configured with a plurality of tables which provide an accumulated measure of radiation over a specific time period, due to one or more types of DaRT radiotherapy sources which emit daughter radionuclides from the source, for a plurality of different distances and angles relative to the DaRT radiotherapy source. In addition, a processor is configured to receive a description of a layout of a plurality of DaRT radiotherapy sources in a tumor, to calculate a radiation dose distribution in the tumor responsive to the layout, using the tables in the memory, and to output feedback for the treatment responsive to the radiation dose distribution, through the output interface.

Products, compositions, systems, and methods for modifying a target structure which mediates or is associated with a biological activity, including treatment of conditions, disorders, or diseases mediated by or associated with a target structure, such as a virus, cell, subcellular structure or extracellular structure. The methods may be performed in situ in a non-invasive manner by application of an initiation energy to a subject thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure directly or via a modulation agent. The methods may further be performed by application of an initiation energy to a subject in situ to activate a pharmaceutical agent directly or via an energy modulation agent, optionally in the presence of one or more plasmonics active agents, thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure. Kits containing products or compositions formulated or configured and systems for use in practicing these methods.