Abstract: Various approaches for disrupting target tissue for treatment include identifying a target volume of the target tissue; causing disruption of the target tissue in a region corresponding to the target volume so as to increase tissue permeability therein; computationally generating a tissue permeability map of the target volume; and based on the tissue permeability map, computationally evaluating the disruption of the target tissue within the target volume.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe systems and methods for providing proton therapy treatment using a beam line where the ESS is reduced or eliminated. For multi-room configurations, a beam line is included having quadrupole and steerer magnets to align and focus a particle beam extracted by an accelerator and guided by a bend section. A degrader is disposed between the bend section and the treatment room, and the energy analyzing functionality is performed by the gantry.

Abstract: Method and system for localizing a region of interest in a medium in which cavitation occurs. Method for localizing a region of interest (R) in a medium (M) in which cavitation occurs, the method comprising the steps consisting in: producing cavitation in the region of interest (R), the cavitation generating an acoustic signal, at each of at least three separate positions, detecting a cavitation signal representative of the acoustic signal of the cavitation, for at least two pairs of cavitation signals, determining a delay between the cavitation signals of each pair of cavitation signals, calculating a localization of the region of interest (R) based on the delays and the positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy.

Abstract: An applicator for intraoperative radiotherapy with low-energy X-ray radiation includes an applicator body, an air-permeable outer surface with a circumferential outer face and with a distal end, a receiving device which is arranged at a proximal end and with which the applicator can be secured to an X-ray irradiation device, and an inner recess which has an opening at the proximal end and into which an X-ray radiation source is insertable. The applicator has a solid porous structure on its outer surface which provides the air-permeable outer surface with a rigid shape. The solid porous structure forms a continuous air-permeable channel structure which is connected in an air-conducting manner to the proximal end of the applicator.

Abstract: A treatment for inflammatory dermatoses, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema), is disclosed that utilizes topical administration of a halogenated xanthene, such as rose bengal, together with administration of one or more complementary targeted systemic dermatology therapies, preferably a therapy that addresses the inflammatory pathway and is other than an NSAID that is a COX-1 and/or COX-2 inhibitor. Examples of complementary targeted systemic therapeutic ingredients include: corticosteroids, including betamethasone dipropionate and fluocinonide; dithranol; vitamin D analogs, including calcipotriol; and retinoids, non-biologics including methotrexate, ciclosporin, hydroxycarbamide, and fumarates including dimethyl fumarate; as well as one or more biologics, including antibodies or paratope-containing antibody portions to TNF-?, antibodies to pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-12, interleukin-23 and interleukin-17, and TNF inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides balloon catheters and methods for using the same. Unlike existing balloon catheters in the art, the present balloon catheters expand in the proximal direction to enhance fit. The balloon catheters include sliding balloon catheters, preformed balloon catheters, super-elastic balloon catheters, and may be augmented with peripheral catheters.

Abstract: A method to apply a nerve inhibiting cloud surrounding a blood vessel includes creating a treatment plan, wherein the treatment plan prescribes application of the nerve inhibiting cloud towards at least a majority portion of a circumference of a blood vessel wall, and applying the nerve inhibiting cloud towards the majority portion of the circumference of the blood vessel wall for a time sufficient to inhibit a function of a nerve that surrounds the blood vessel wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing at least one treatment to at least one tissue having a first structural arrangement configured to expand a first portion at a distal end of the apparatus, a second structural arrangement configured to expand a second portion at the distal end and at least one lumen associated with at least one of the first structural arrangement and/or the second structural arrangement. The first structural arrangement and/or the second structural arrangement can be configured to position the at least one lumen at a particular position with respect to the tissue. A tip is configured to aid in the insertion of the apparatus into the tissue(s).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention center around systems and methods for long-term disposal of high-level nuclear waste that is to be placed inside of particular waste-capsules that are in turn to be placed into wellbores that are located in deep-geologic-formations. Mostly or fully intact spent nuclear fuel rod assemblies may be internally packed in the waste-capsules. A given waste-capsule may include a protective-medium around the contained nuclear waste, a corrosion protective layer around the protective-medium, and a neutron absorbing and/or slowdown layer around the corrosion protective layer. The protective-medium may be in the form of a mold or injected into the waste-capsule. The protective-medium may shield against gamma radiation and protect the waste-capsule from degradation. Further, a transporter is described for surface transportion of loaded nuclear waste-capsules so that the loaded nuclear waste-capsules may be safely transported to a drilling-rig site for insertion into the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of treating an ischemic event in tissue of a subject in need thereof, includes applying light to a tissue susceptible to ischemic reperfusion injury, the light having a wavelength selected from two wavelength ranges selected from 730-770 nm, 850-890 nm, 880-920 nm, and 930-970 nm, thereby to reduce ischemic reperfusion injury in the tissue of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for verifying radiation source delivery in brachytherapy by allowing for the radiation source location and dwell time to be determined via real-time measurement. In an embodiment, a radiation detector may be disposed proximate to a radiotherapy target. The radiation detector is configured to provide real-time information indicative of ionizing radiation emitted by a radiation source. A controller may perform operations including receiving, from the radiation detector, real-time information indicative of at least one of: a particle flux rate, an energy fluence, or an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation emitted from the radiation source. The operations may also include determining, based on the received information, at least one of: a location of the radiation source or a dwell time of the radiation source.

Abstract: A rotary irradiation apparatus of an embodiment comprises: a rotating gantry; a superconducting electromagnet being installed in the rotating gantry and forming at least one of a deflecting magnetic field that deflects a trajectory of a charged particle beam and a convergent magnetic field that converges the charged particle beam to guide the charged particle beam to an object to be irradiated; a rotating gantry drive unit that drives/rotates the rotating gantry; and a control device that controls the rotating gantry drive unit to rotate and stop the rotating gantry, while the superconducting electromagnet is being excited and the charged particle beam is not irradiated.

Abstract: System and method for accessing and treating a patient's cerebrospinal fluid. The system comprises a device with at least one implantable single or multilumen catheter, configured for placement along a patent's cerebrospinal fluid pathway, with at least one domed subcutaneous reservoir and/or pump connected to the catheter(s). The device can also be equipped with control circuitry and controllable valves. The devices allow for drug administration and/or simultaneous, bidirectional cerebrospinal fluid access and exchange. The catheter(s), may be coupled with medical probes that transmit sensor data to the device's processor, which can be configured transmit and receive data and instructions. The catheters may also be configured with guide devices to facilitate implantation. Various configurations, from single dome to multiple dome devices are taught, along with various applications such as epidural and other cerebrospinal drug administration, and various medical diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating a patient for a condition characterized by an excess blood concentration of dissolved gas in at least one targeted region of the patient are provided. The method comprises administering a composition comprising a perfluorocarbon droplet emulsion into the blood of the patient; insonifying the at least one target region sufficient to achieve formation of microbubbles by droplet vaporization of at least a portion of the perfluorocarbon droplets present in the blood; whereby a concentration gradient favoring movement of gas molecules from the blood into the microbubbles is established for a time frame.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for repositioning organs, such as the rectum, during radiation therapy treatments, are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for phototherapeutic modulation of nitric oxide in mammalian tissue include use of a first wavelength and first radiant flux of light to stimulate enzymatic generation of nitric oxide, and use of a second wavelength and second radiant flux of light to stimulate release of nitric oxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide. Pulsed light and/or partially non-overlapping light impingement windows may be used. Non-coherent light impinged on tissue may include a peak wavelength in a range of from 410 nm to 440 nm in the absence of light emissions having a peak wavelength of from 600 nm to 900 nm.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for repositioning organs, such as the rectum, during radiation therapy treatments, are described.

Abstract: Process and device for directly medicinally treating interior tissue during or after intubation of a patient by passing medicinal radiant energy transversely through the intubation device to irradiate the internal patient tissue for promoting healing or for an antimicrobial effect. The invention is useful in conjunction with endoscopies and catherizations, such as urinary catherization, gastric and pulmonary endoscopies, and the like procedures. The process and device can also provide liquid flow and/or vision.

Abstract: A catheter treatment apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member and an expandable support. The expandable support comprises a radioactive substance to treat cancerous tissue and is configured to expand from a narrow profile for insertion to a wide profile to engage and treat tissue remaining after resection. The expandable support can be sized to fit within a volume of removed tissue to place the radioactive substance in proximity to the capsule and remaining tissue, to spare the capsule and proximate nerves and vessels to treat tissue in proximity to the capsule. The elongate tubular member may comprise a channel such as a lumen to pass a bodily fluid such as urine when the expandable support engages the tissue to treat the patient for a plurality of days. The treatment apparatus can be used to resect and diagnose tissue concurrently. Based on the diagnosis, targeted segmental treatment may be given.

Abstract: A system for delivery of radiation to a target portion of a native tissue is provided. The system includes a catheter having a catheter body with a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a longitudinally oriented lumen therebetween. The system further includes an expansion device disposed about at least a portion of the catheter body and having an expanded configuration and a non-expanded configuration. The system also includes a plurality of tubes disposed about at least a portion of the expansion device. Each of the plurality of tubes is configured to selectively guide exposure of a radiation source to the target portion of the native tissue.

Abstract: A range shifting device configured to be placed close to a portion of a body of a patient during radiation beam treatment. The radiation beam treatment can include stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The range shifting device can be incorporated into an existing SRS localization system during SRS treatment. The range shifting device is configured to be placed close to the head of a patient during SRS treatment. The range shifting device is comprised of range shifting material. The range shifting device can be a range shifting helmet. The range shifting helmet can include a hollow frame including a plurality of apertures in which inserts made of range shifting material can be inserted.

Abstract: A catheter treatment apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member and an expandable support. The expandable support comprises a radioactive substance to treat cancerous tissue and is configured to expand from a narrow profile for insertion to a wide profile to engage and treat tissue remaining after resection. The expandable support can be sized to fit within a volume of removed tissue to place the radioactive substance in proximity to the capsule and remaining tissue, to spare the capsule and proximate nerves and vessels to treat tissue in proximity to the capsule. The elongate tubular member may comprise a channel such as a lumen to pass a bodily fluid such as urine when the expandable support engages the tissue to treat the patient for a plurality of days. The treatment apparatus can be used to resect and diagnose tissue concurrently. Based on the diagnosis, targeted segmental treatment may be given.

Abstract: A treatment schedule for radiopharmaceuticals is developed by collecting a volumetric history of tissue uptake in identified volumes of interest using emitted-radiation scans and relating this data to a treatment-radiopharmaceutical to develop a quantitatively accurate radiation treatment schedule of delivery amounts and delivery times of the treatment-radiopharmaceutical. This data may also be used to model biological effective dose and to prepare augmenting external radiation beam treatment schedules.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treatment of hypoxic tumors are provided, including the steps of positioning a delivery device in a bodily cavity adjacent to tumor tissue, delivering an oxygenating agent to the tumor tissue via the delivery device and radiating the tumor tissue with radiation. Methods and systems of treatment of tumors are also provided, including the steps of positioning a delivery device in a bodily cavity adjacent to tumor tissue, delivering a photosensitizing agent to the tumor tissue via the delivery device, and radiating the tumor tissue with light.

Abstract: A method for generating light intensity inside a tumor to aid in the treatment of diseases such as cancer is disclosed. The light is generated inside the body to perform a modified photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT) that allows treatment of body regions that are inaccessible by normal PDT procedures. In addition, the use of two spatially and temporally coincident treatment modalities, i.e. radiation and PDT, have the potential for significant biological synergy in the tumor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a tunable helical antenna element is disclosed. The probe includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor coaxially disposed within a dielectric, and an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the dielectric. The inner conductor and dielectric extend distally beyond a distal end of the outer conductor. A helical antenna element is operably coupled to a distal end of the inner conductor. During use, the antenna may be tuned by changing at least one dimension of the helical antenna element. Embodiments are presented wherein a dimensions of the helical antenna element is changed by state change of a shape memory alloy, by a change in temperature, by activation of a piston by fluidic pressure, by linear motion of a conical tip, and by a manual screw-type adjustment.

Abstract: Intracavitary brachytherapy tandem and ovoid oncology treatment systems and methods are provided. One such system and method employs a multi-part tandem having a detachable distal section suitable for retaining within a body cavity such as the uterus, both during radiation treatment and during recovery time between radiation treatments. This distal portion can be intended for single-patient use and be disposed of after completion of a radiation treatment session having multiple radiation dose treatment times. One or both of real time in vivo detection and monitoring and hypertherapy features can be included. One or more of the system tandem or ovoid colpostats feature bendability to tailor the system to the specific body and patient being treated. The method includes having a tandem distal section inserted into a body cavity such as a uterus and remaining within the body cavity in between treatment times.

Abstract: A proton beam delivery system including a proton beam nozzle to emit a proton beam to a targeted region of a patient, a gantry wheel to support the proton beam nozzle, the gantry wheel being configured to rotate the proton beam nozzle about a rotation axis of the gantry wheel such that the proton beam nozzle emits the proton beam to an isocenter of the gantry wheel corresponding to the targeted region, a beamline deflector configured to be rotated by the gantry wheel to transport the proton beam along a curvilinear path from the rotation axis to the proton beam nozzle using a predetermined power setting of the beamline deflector, and a rigid support structure to support the beamline deflector when the gantry wheel is rotated such that the beam nozzle directs the proton beam to the isocenter from a plurality of radial directions using the same predetermined power setting.

Abstract: Among other things, a method for transporting radiation to a body region is described, wherein, in a first step, a canal is formed up to the body region to be irradiated and wherein, in a second step, an applicator (10) which is fitted to the diameter of the canal is introduced into the canal in order to guide a probe tip. Advantageously, applicator (10) is formed for use with a radiation therapy device for producing a defined radiation dose for irradiating a body region, whereby applicator (10) has a base body (11) with a foot region (12) for the uptake of at least one component of a radiation therapy device (30), a cylindrical guide region (13) connecting thereto for the uptake of a probe tip of a radiation therapy device, whereby a transition region (14) is formed between the foot region (12) and the guide region (13), as well as a head region (15), which is formed at the distal end (21) of base body (11). The method can be utilized especially for the treatment of tumors in the vertebral column.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a power splitting device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs are configured to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of energy delivery devices. The power splitting device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing electron radiation therapy on a breast cancer patient preferably includes an intraoperative electron radiation therapy machine, an intraoperative electron radiation therapy collimator tube connected to the intraoperative electron radiation therapy machine, and a plurality of filters made of a material having substantially the same density as human breast tissue for placement between the machine and the patient to change the energy of a monoenergetic beam after the beam has left the machine, allowing a filter to be chosen to reduce the energy traveling through the tube to a desired amount of energy to treat the patient.

Abstract: The method determines parameters to generate confocal ultrasound beams (B1,B2) inside a medium (4), and uses a device (1) comprising first and second ultrasound means (11,12) and first and second displacement members (13,14) for moving the ultrasound means (11,12). The parameters include signals s1,s2 to the ultrasound means (11,12), and the positions x1,x2 of the ultrasound means (11,12). The parameters are optimized for having a minimum amplitude a1,a2 of the signals s1,s2 and having an acoustic effect inside the medium (4).

Abstract: Delivery systems and methods for delivering riboflavin (R/F) and UVA irradiation to the sclera are disclosed. The R/F is delivered and then activated with UVA irradiation through the use of LEDs or optical fibers, thereby causing cross-linking of the collagen tissue. Delivery systems include implantable structures which provide surfaces that conform to the sclera. The delivery systems include various types of structures for delivery of R/F onto the sclera surface. Additionally, the delivery systems include UVA sources which provide irradiation of R/F in sclera collagen tissue.

Abstract: New photodynamic, topically-applicable medicaments and certain medical uses of such photodynamic medicaments for treatment of human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such medicaments is a halogenated xanthene. The halogenated xanthenes constitute a family of potent photosensitizers that become photoactivated upon illumination of the treatment site with visible wavelengths of light. In preferred embodiments, such medicaments are used for treatment of a variety of conditions affecting the skin and related organs; the mouth and digestive tract and related organs; the urinary and reproductive tracts and related organs; the respiratory tract and related organs; various other internal or external tissue surfaces, such as tissue surfaces exposed during surgery; and for treatment of a variety of conditions related to microbial or parasitic infection.

Abstract: A method is provided including identifying a target portion of a patient corresponding to a portion of interest of the patient to be scanned with a nuclear medicine scanning technique. The method also includes applying an uptake increasing technique to at least one of the target portion or an application portion of the patient other than the target portion. The uptake increasing technique is configured to increase uptake of a radiopharmaceutical to the target portion of the patient relative to portions of the patient other than the target portion. Also, the method includes administering the radiopharmaceutical to the patient temporally proximate to the applying an uptake increasing technique.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein provides methods for developing an IMRT treatment plan for a radiotherapy system. In one aspect, the method can include providing initial treatment parameters. These parameters can include a number of isotopic beams, a transmission angle for each beam, a prescribed dose for a target, and dose volume histogram constraints. The method can further include determining an initial fluence map including one or more beamlets. The initial fluence map can specify a fluence value for each beamlet. The method can further include determining a delivery sequence for the fluence values in the initial fluence map. The delivery sequence can include one or more apertures formed by the leaves of a collimator. These apertures can have a specified size constrained to substantially less than a maximum size associated with the collimator, when the isotopic beam is near a critical structure. Related apparatus and systems are also described.

Abstract: An irradiation system for simultaneous application of radiation therapy and hyperthermia is provided. The irradiation system has a radiation source and a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus comprising a controller, a plurality of local coils for arrangement on the body of a patient, and a plurality of transmission devices. The transmission devices are configured to supply the local coils with radiofrequency signals independently of one another. In this case, the controller is configured to actuate the transmission devices in such a way that a predetermined region in the body of the patient is heated to a predetermined temperature by means of the radiofrequency signals emitted by the local coils. The radiation source is configured to irradiate a target in the predetermined region.

Abstract: A microbeam intraoperative, 10-50 kilovoltage radiation therapy system with multiple simultaneous microfocus X-ray sources and method for image guided, microsecond duration, 100 to 1,000 Gy microbeam radiation therapies with dose rate ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 Gy per second and RBE closer to high LET with minimal toxicity to normal tissue is provided. Dismountable coronal, sagital and transverse half-circle gantry sections are assembled on to a surgical table for mounting the microfocus X-ray sources for intraoperative radiosurgery. A stereotactic breast core biopsy system is adapted for combined breast biopsy, positron emission tomography and computerized tomography with phase-contrast imaging. Cosmetic whole breast preserving electronic brachytherapy is combined with stereotactic core biopsy. The low dose valley regions of the intersecting microbeams at the tumor site are filled with scattered and characteristic radiation from high Z-element that is bound or implanted into the tumor.

Abstract: Provided are medical apparatuses for simultaneously performing radiotherapy and hyperthermia therapy and methods of treating an affected area. The medical apparatus includes a table where a subject is placed; a driving unit configured to move the table; a treatment device configured to treat an affected area of the subject; and an ultrasonic transducer configured to increase treatment efficiency of the affected area.

Abstract: A sonic window includes a body sized and configured to close an opening formed through the cranium, wherein at least a part of the body is made of a sonically transparent material through which ultrasonic waves can pass.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for evaluating potential for invasiveness, metastasis, or recurrence of an epithelial cell cancer. In the methods the expression profile of giant obscurins is detected in a tissue sample of tumor cells or suspected tumor cells and assessed for giant obscuring expression level and distribution therein. Decreased levels or altered distribution of giant obscurins in the cells compared to a control non-invasive standard or to a sample taken at a different point in time is indicative of increased potential of at least one of the invasiveness, metastasis, or recurrence of the epithelial cell cancer. The kit comprises a detection reagent suitable for detecting the presence and distribution of giant obscurins or an amount of the gene product(s) encoding giant obscurins in cells of a tissue sample and instructions for using the detection reagent.

Abstract: Radiation therapy devices, systems and methods are in general sheet-like form, are characterized by flexibility, and include at least one spacer that can be a balloon or bubble that assists in placement of radio therapeutic members at desired treatment locations along or around a limb, within an existing body cavity, or at a site that was formed under a patient's skin for treatment purposes. Sarcoma treatment is particularly conducive to treatment by these devices, systems and methods. One or more detectors, such as microdiodes, are accommodated when desired on the device, and a hyperthermia tube or the like is also includable that delivers hyperthermia treatment for the target treatment site or sites. Data collected by the detector allows the medical professional to monitor radiation treatment and, when desired, interaction between hyperthermia treatment and radiation delivery by the radiation treatment member.

Abstract: Radiation therapy or brachytherapy devices, systems and methods are in general catheter form and include at least one balloon that assists in placement of radio therapeutic members at desired treatment locations within an existing body cavity or at a site that was formed under a patient's skin for treatment purposes. One or more detectors, such as microdiodes, are present on the device, and a hyperthermia tube or the like is also included that delivers hyperthermia treatment for the target treatment site or sites. Data collected by the detector allows the medical professional to monitor radiation treatment and, when desired, interaction between hyperthermia treatment and radiation delivery by the radiation treatment member.

Abstract: The system and methods of the invention partially shields the radiation dose to the skin and/or other anatomical organs by using magnetically responsive material that blocks radiation, which may be fine grains of iron or other ferrous powder for example. The powder is typically injected into an IB applicator, along with inflating saline solution in case of MSB, when a skin spacing problem is encountered, or there is a risk of high doses being delivered to the critical organs surrounding a lumpectomy cavity, for example. A slight magnetic field of predetermined configuration will be applied externally to arrange the shielding material internally under the segment of surface of the IB applicator where the skin spacing is typically less then 7 mm, thereby protecting the skin from radiation damage. Monte Carlo studies to develop parameterizations for treatment planning with the IB applicator utilizing the suggested shielding material is also provided.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: A muon monitoring system for particle radiation therapy includes: a shield for a selective passing, by eliminating particles and radiation produced due to the high energy particles and radiation pulses, of the delay positrons emitted due to decay of muons stopped at a position corresponding to the Bragg peak position; a positron detector for detecting positrons from a designated direction and detecting the delay positrons passed through the shield opening by each of positron detecting plates for providing information of positron produced positions and time of delay simultaneous signals; and a control/analysis apparatus generating a delay signal at a timing delayed by a predetermined time period from a completion of irradiation of the high energy particle radiation pulses, and performing a process to generate ?SR signals segmented for each positron generating position by analyzing detected results obtained by operating the positron detector for a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: Methods of treating diseases through the intracellular enhancement and synergy of chemo- and radiation-therapies by employing cancer cell-specific on-demand mechanical intracellular impact. The methods, quadrapeutics, combines four clinically validated modalities: encapsulated drugs, colloidal gold nanoparticles (GNPs), near-infrared short laser pulses, and X-rays.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.

Abstract: An example particle therapy system includes the following: a gantry that is rotatable relative to a patient position; a particle accelerator mounted to the gantry, where the particle accelerator is for outputting a particle beam essentially directly to the patient position; and a control system to receive a prescription and to generate machine instructions for configuring one or more operational characteristics of the particle therapy system. At least one of the operational characteristics relates to a rotational angle of the gantry relative to the patient position.