The present invention relates to advanced Cherenkov-based imaging systems, tools, and methods of feedback control, temporal control sequence image capture, and quantification in high resolution dose images. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for simple, accurate, quick, robust, real-time, water-equivalent characterization of beams from LINACs and other systems producing external-therapy radiation for purposes including optimization, commissioning, routine quality auditing, R&D, and manufacture. The present invention also provides a system and method for rapid and economic characterization of complex radiation treatment plans prior to patient exposure. Further, the present invention also provides a system and method of economically detecting Cherenkov radiation emitted by tissue and other media in real-world clinical settings (e.g., settings illuminated by visible light).

Subject positioning systems and methods are provided. A method may include obtaining first information of at least part of a subject when the subject is located at a preset position, and determining, based on the first information, a first position of each of one or more feature points located on the at least part of the subject. The method may include obtaining, using an imaging device, second information of the at least part of the subject when the subject is located at a candidate position. The method may further include determining, based on the second information, a second position of each of the one or more feature points, a first distance between the first position and the second position for each feature point of the one or more feature points, and a target position of the subject based at least in part on the one or more first distances.

An IGRT apparatus comprising a medical imaging device (1) integrated with a linear accelerator (3, 4), the linear accelerator (3, 4) configured for emitting a radiation beam which is shaped by a beam shaper (8, 17), wherein the position of the beam shaper (8, 17) is adjustable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a treatment position and the second position is a non-treatment position and wherein the IGRT apparatus comprises a gantry (2) and wherein the first position is within the gantry (2) and the second position is removed from the gantry (2).

A control circuit controls real-time administration of a radiation-treatment plan that administers a therapeutic radiation dose to a patient. This includes compensating for a first movement as regards the application setting using a first treatment-administration modality and responding to detection of a second movement by using a second treatment-administration modality that is different from the first treatment-administration modality.

A control system for providing a closed loop, real time control of a charged particle pencil beam is disclosed. The system includes a first detector apparatus, a second detector apparatus, a first orthogonal magnetic deflector apparatus, a second orthogonal magnetic deflector apparatus, and a controller. The controller compares the measured position and beam angle of the beam with a model position and beam angle of a model beam to determine an offset error and a beam angle error. The first orthogonal magnetic deflector apparatus includes a pair of electromagnets to correct a first component of the offset and beam angle errors. The second orthogonal magnetic deflector apparatus includes a pair of electromagnets to correct a second component of the offset and beam angle errors. The beam can be iteratively adjusted during patient therapy or short pauses in patient therapy.

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for directing protons to a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) holding a patient with a patient support; (2) providing an imaging system comprising: a rotatable unit at least partially surrounding an axial perimeter of the patient support, a translation guide rail, an imaging source attached to the rotatable unit, and an imaging detector attached to the rotatable unit; (3) translating and rotating the imaging source and the imaging detector relative to the patient support using the translation guide rail and the rotatable unit; and (4) providing an attachment section connected: on a first end to a robotic arm positioning system and on a second end to the patient support and the imaging system, the robotic arm positioning system repositioning, relative to a nozzle system linked to the synchrotron, the attachment system supporting the patient support system and the imaging system.

The invention comprises a method and apparatus for using a single robotic positioning arm to simultaneously move, relative to a proton beam path entering a treatment room containing the patient, both: (1) a patient support and (2) an imaging system. The robotic arm moving the imaging system and patient independently from movement of a nozzle system directing protons into the treatment rooms allows: simultaneously translating past the patient and rotating around the patient an X-ray source of the imaging system; translating a rotatable unit, of the imaging system, longitudinally past the patient on a translation guide rail; moving the patient support and the imaging system through at least four degrees of freedom relative to a movable proton beam; and/or simultaneous or alternating movement of the proton treatment beam and the imaging system relative to the patient.

A rotatable targeting magnet apparatus and method of use thereof is described where the rotatable targeting magnet rotates independently of a beamline arc at the end of the beamline arc, where the arc is after an accelerator and before the patient in a cancer therapy system. The rotatable targeting magnet directs the charged particle beam, such as vertically, using applied current to the targeting magnet while rotation of the magnet allows scanning across the tumor. Rotation of the patient relative to the charged particle allows distribution of trailing Bragg peak energy within and/or circumferentially about the tumor.

Particle radiation therapy and planning utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Radiation therapy prescription information and patient MRI data can be received and a radiation therapy treatment plan can be determined for use with a particle beam. The treatment plan can utilize the radiation therapy prescription information and the patient MRI data to account for interaction properties of soft tissues in the patient through which the particle beam passes. Patient MRI data may be received from a magnetic resonance imaging system integrated with the particle radiation therapy system. MRI data acquired during treatment may also be utilized to modify or optimize the particle radiation therapy treatment.

A system and method for image-guided radiotherapy are provided. The system may include a treatment assembly and an imaging assembly. The treatment assembly may include a first radiation source configured to deliver a treatment beam. The treatment assembly may have a treatment region relating to an object. The imaging assembly may include a second radiation source and a radiation detector. The second radiation source may be configured to deliver an imaging beam, and the radiation detector may be configured to detect at least a portion of the imaging beam. The imaging assembly may have an imaging region relating to the object. The first radiation source may be rotatable in a first plane, and the second radiation source may be rotatable in a second plane different from the first plane, such that the treatment region and the imaging region at least partially overlap.