The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for using a single patient position during, optionally simultaneous, X-ray imaging and positively charged particle imaging, where imaging a tumor of a patient using X-rays and positively charged particles comprises the steps of: (1) generating an X-ray image using the X-rays directed from an X-ray source, through the patient, and to an X-ray detector, (2) generating a positively charged particle image: (a) using the positively charged particles directed from an exit nozzle, through the patient, through the X-ray detector, and to a scintillator, the scintillator emitting photons when struck by the positively charged particles and (b) generating the positively charged particle image of the tumor using a photon detector configured to detect the emitted photons, where the X-ray detector maintains a position between said the nozzle and the scintillator during the step of generating a positively charged particle image.

A three-dimensional tumor ruler and holder and methods of use thereof are provided. One embodiment provides a three-dimensional tumor ruler to simultaneously measure the length, width, and height of a tumor when positioned on or near the tumor. The tumor measurements can then be used to calculate tumor volume. Tumor volume can be used to accurately determine for example the dose of a drug or radiation to administer to a subject. In another embodiment, the tumor ruler can be used to position the tumor during administration of a drug or radiation therapy to maximize exposure of the tumor to the therapy.

The invention comprises a method for treating a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles in a treatment room, comprising the steps of: (1) controlling a cancer therapy treatment system with a main controller, the main controller comprising hardware and software; (2) generating at least one image of the tumor using at least one imaging system controlled by the main controller; (3) using the at least one image and a software coded set of radiation treatment directives, the main controller auto-generating a radiation treatment plan; and (4) the main controller auto-delivering the positively charged particles, via a beam transport system and a nozzle system, from a synchrotron to the tumor according to the radiation treatment plan.

A restraint system for a patient to be exposed to a radiation beam is disclosed. The system includes a patient support panel and a head restraint assembly in the form of a face mask to which plural clips are secured. The patient support panel includes plural connectors, which may include fixed or adjustable connectors. The clips include are configured to engage the plural connectors in a snap-on manner, without the need for tools or separate fastening devices.

A structure includes a base comprising a first ramp and an opposing, second ramp. The structure further includes a shell frame having an inner surface configured to a shape of a body part and an outer convex surface, wherein the outer convex surface of the shell frame rides upon, and moves relative to, upper surfaces of the first ramp and the second ramp to enable a pitch of the shell frame to be adjusted relative to the base.

A device and method for minimizing exposure of soft mucosa tissues to radiation, the device including a low-volume intracavity balloon catheter having multiple expansion portions, including an isometrically expanding portion and a substantially planar anterior portion.

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) providing an approved current version of a radiation treatment plan for treatment of the tumor using the positively charged particles; (2) implementing the current version of the radiation treatment plan using a cancer therapy system comprising a controller linked to a synchrotron; (3) upon identifying an object, using a set of fiducial indicators, in a treatment vector of the radiation treatment plan: generating a modified version of radiation treatment plan and receiving medical doctor approval of the modified version of the radiation treatment plan, the modified version of the radiation plan becoming the current version of the radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of implementing and identifying until completion of treatment of the tumor using the positively charged particles.

A system and method are disclosed for a patient positioning device for beam radiation therapy and radiological imaging. The system includes a base and a patient support surface coupled to the base, and the patient support surface includes a lower patient support hingedly coupled to the base and an upper support hingedly coupled to the lower patient support. The system also includes a substantially flat hinge that forms a continuous upper surface with an upper support surface of the lower patient support and the lower patient support.

The invention comprises a method for generating a procedure for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a set of treatment goal specifications; (2) generating tomographic images of the tumor using a first set of groups of the positively charge particles delivered from a synchrotron; and (3) a computer implemented algorithm automatically generating a tumor radiation treatment plan, of the tumor using the positively charged particles, using the set of treatment goal specifications and the tomographic images. Optionally, the method automatically updates the radiation treatment plan upon: a detected movement of the tumor relative to surrounding patient constituents and/or upon detection of a previously unforeseen intervening object in a treatment beam path.

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for imaging a tumor with X-rays while, simultaneously or alternatingly, treating or imaging the tumor with positively charged particles. An X-ray imaging system, such as one or two sets of a cone beam X-ray source coupled to an X-ray detector, is rotatable about a first axis and a patient. The X-ray imaging system is positioned off axis a path of charged particles delivered through an exit port of a nozzle system from a synchrotron and does not block a path of the positively charged particles from the exit nozzle to the patient or an imaging path from the patient to a scintillation detector. Fiducial indicators are used to confirm an unobstructed path of the positively charged particles in a treatment room comprising many movable elements, such as the X-ray imaging system and a patient positioning system/couch.