Abstract: A filter for radiation therapy, and other applications, is disclosed. The filter comprises a base and columns of varying heights extending from one face of the base. The column heights are determined by simulating the change in energy distribution of radiation passing through the filter and updating the column heights so as to more accurately match the desired output beam energy distribution. The method of filter design employs an inner loop of faster, but less accurate calculations and an outer loop of slower but more accurate calculations. The column heights for the filter are the last calculated values or the ones which produce the simulated output beam energy distribution which most closely matches the desired output beam energy distribution. The filter can be used in a radiation beam apparatus to treat a patient more quickly.

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 spot scanning (SS) ion therapy system configured for dynamic trimming of an ion particle pencil beam to reduce the amount of the radiation dosage outside of a target boundary.

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 spot scanning (SS) ion therapy system configured for dynamic trimming of an ion particle pencil beam to reduce the amount of the radiation dosage outside of a target boundary.