Abstract: A three-dimensional dosimetry system and method for calibrating and mapping the expected radiation dose to be applied to a particular volume of tissue. In one embodiment, a stack of film is positioned within a radiation generation apparatus and is exposed to radiation. The film is scanned by a scanner and the scanner output is sent to a computer where it is compared to reference data of the desired dose distribution.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a technique for carrying out stereotaxic radiosurgery or radiotherapy on a particular target region within a patient by a radiosurgical/radiotherapeutic beam of radiation which is at least intermittently directed along a beam path through the target region. One particular beam generating arrangement illustrated is carried by a robotic arm which is movable in at least three dimensions. In accordance with one embodiment disclosed herein, a method and apparatus are provided for moving the robotic arm and beam generating arrangement along a predetermined, non-circular and non-linear path transverse to the beam path while, at the same time, the beam path is directed into the target region. In this way, the radiosurgical/radiotherapeutic beam can be directed through the target region from particular treatment points along the transverse path so as to define a non-spherical target region.