Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method of providing ultrasound energy having a stable power output. The method can comprise providing ultrasound energy from a ultrasound transducer; determining a power level threshold of the ultrasound energy; monitoring a power level of the ultrasound energy over time of the ultrasound energy; communicating a power level to a controller; adjusting the frequency of the ultrasound energy upon a change in the power level; and maintaining the power level threshold of the ultrasound energy.

Abstract: Plural equipment control devices of a particle beam therapy system comprise an equipment operation parameter calculation unit calculating equipment operation parameters based on data given by equipment data servers individually and an equipment operation verification data generation unit generating equipment operation parameter verification data for verifying soundness of the equipment operation parameters, an equipment data server comprises an equipment operation parameter integrating calculation unit calculating so as to obtain equipment operation parameters of each equipment, an equipment operation parameter verification data integrating generation unit generating an equipment operation parameter verification data of each equipment for verifying soundness of equipment operation parameters of each equipment, and a verification data comparison unit comparing equipment operation parameter verification data of each equipment which is received from plural equipment control devices with equipment operation param

Abstract: A specific site location measuring includes: calculating matching degrees based on a plurality of transmission images imaged by use of radiation transmitting through a specimen and a template set; selecting a template transmission image from the plurality of transmission images based on the matching degrees; adding a new template generated based on the template transmission image, to the template set; imaging a location measurement transmission image by use of radiation transmitting through the specimen; selecting an optimal template that is the most similar to a portion of the location measurement transmission image, from the template set by performing pattern matching of each of templates of the template set with the location measurement transmission image; and calculating a specific site location based on the location measurement transmission image and the optimal template.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for configuring a radiation treatment system based on a plurality of volume of interest (VOI) positioning. One system includes an imaging element configured to generate a first observation of an object, the first observation being generated at a first time, wherein the object is associated with a volume of interest (VOI), and the VOI includes a volume within a body of a patient. The system further includes determining a first positioning of the VOI based at least in part on the first observation of the object, determining a second time for the imaging element based at least in part on a positioning parameter associated with the first positioning, and a time offset, and generating a second observation of the object at the second time.

Abstract: The present invention discloses size controlled and stabilized nano-aggregates of molecular ultra small clusters of noble metals and a process for the preparation thereof. The present invention discloses single source multicolor noble metal spherical and uniform nano aggregates of 10-22 nm made up of discrete molecular ultra small noble metal (Nb) nanoclusters (MUSNbNC's) of 1-6 atoms. The MUSNbNC's are capped with amine/DCA (dicarboxy acetone) group acting as a steric and kinetic hindrance for core growth suppressing the further autocatalysis and conversion of super critical nucleus or growth by ripening and formation of nanoparticles and thus having intense fluorescence.

Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound transducer for intrabody medical therapy comprising; an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element; and a gas bubble containment area adapted to retain the gas bubble when in blood.

Abstract: A method of delivering a radioactive liquid includes, performing an initialization, including; extracting at least a first amount of a radioactive liquid from a source of radioactive liquid, measuring a radioactivity level for the first amount of radioactive liquid, and performing a calibration phase. The calibration phase includes, extracting a second amount of radioactive liquid from the source of radioactive liquid wherein the second amount is calculated based on the radioactivity level of the first amount to provide a total dose of radioactive liquid having a predetermined radioactivity level, and delivering the total dose and performing at least one more calibration and delivery phases.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided, including a rack having a restricting structure and a linkage assembly connected to an electronic device in the rack. The linkage assembly includes a fixed frame, connected to the electronic device; a sliding frame, movable along a first direction relative to the fixed frame; a handle, connected to the sliding frame; a trigger, movably disposed between the handle and the sliding frame; and a latch member, connected to the fixed frame and the restricting structure to restrict the electronic device in the rack. When an external force is exerted on the trigger and the handle to move the sliding frame along the first direction relative the fixed frame, the trigger pushes the latch member to separate from the restricting structure along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, such that the electronic device can be drawn out of the rack.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable drug depot useful for reducing, preventing or treating post-operative pain in a patient in need of such treatment, the implantable drug depot comprising a therapeutically effective amount of clonidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a polymer; wherein the depot is implantable at a site beneath the skin to reduce, prevent or treat post-operative pain, and the depot is capable of releasing (i) about 5% to about 45% of the clonidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof relative to a total amount of the clonidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof loaded in the drug depot over a first period of up to 48 hours and (ii) about 55% to about 95% of the clonidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof relative to a total amount of the clonidine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof loaded in the drug depot over a subsequent period of at least 3 days.

Abstract: An adaptive x-ray filter and an associated method for changing a local intensity of x-ray radiation are provided. The adaptive x-ray filter includes a first fluid absorbing x-ray radiation and hydraulically moveable positioning elements that change the layer thickness of the first fluid at a location of the respective positioning element by being able to at least partly displace the first fluid.

Abstract: An x-ray source includes an enclosing vessel, a first roller arranged at least partially within the enclosing vessel, a second roller arranged at least partially within the enclosing vessel and to be in rolling contact with the first roller, and a drive assembly operatively connected to at least one of the first and second rollers. The drive assembly causes the first and second rollers to rotate while in contact to bring portions of the first and second rollers into and out of contact within the enclosing vessel as the first and second rollers rotate. The first roller has a surface at least partially of a first triboelectric material and the second roller has a surface at least partially of a second triboelectric material, the first triboelectric material having a negative triboelectric potential relative to the second triboelectric material.

Abstract: A charge collection electrode is formed of a plurality of groups each of which is made up of a plurality of adjoining wire electrodes. Further, all the wire electrodes are connected to channels of a signal processing device by the same number of lines as the wire electrodes belonging to one group so that each detection signal outputted from one wire electrode selected from each group is inputted through the same line and so that no two adjoining channels are physically continuous in regard to a certain set of consecutive measurement channels. The signal processing device determines group information indicating to which group the wire electrodes that sent the inputted detection signals belong and outputs a processing signal including the group information to a beam monitor controller. The beam monitor controller determines the position and the beam width of the charged particle beam that passed through the wire electrodes.

Abstract: The invention features methods and selenium-containing compositions for treating a neoplastic disease in a subject. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing sensitivity of a tumor to cancer therapy by treating the tumor with an inorganic selenium-containing (iSe) compound and with a cancer therapy, particularly a cancer therapy that also affects the cellular redox status of a tumor cell (e.g., radiation).

Abstract: Provided are methods of using curcuphenol compounds to increase expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) antigen in cells, particularly on the surface of diseased cells such as cancer cells, and thereby increase the immunogenicity of the cells. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions that comprise curcuphenol compounds and methods of use thereof, for instance, to treat various cancers, alone or in combination with other therapies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of identifying and treating a human subject harboring a tumor or other disease comprising assessing HRG gene expression at a protein level in the human subject and administering a treatment comprising an anti-HER3 antibody to the human subject whose HRG gene expression at a protein level is assessed as high. The present invention is also directed to methods of identifying a human subject harboring a tumor or other disease comprising assessing HRG gene expression at a protein level in the human subject and withholding a treatment comprising an anti-HER3 antibody to the human subject whose HRG gene expression at a protein level is assessed as low.

Abstract: A system includes a patient support and an outer gantry on which an accelerator is mounted to enable the accelerator to move through a range of positions around a patient on the patient support. The accelerator is configured to produce a proton or ion beam having an energy level sufficient to reach a target in the patient. An inner gantry includes an aperture for directing the proton or ion beam towards the target.

Abstract: This invention concerns methods of treating a patient diagnosed with glioblastoma comprising administering to said patient a therapy comprising an effective amount of an anti-VEGF antibody and a chemotherapeutic.

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: A therapy planning system and method generate an optimal treatment plan accounting for changes in anatomy. Therapy is delivered to the subject according to a first auto-planned optimal treatment plan based on a first image of a subject. A second image of the subject is received after a period of time. The second image is registered with the first image to generate a deformation map accounting for physiological changes. The second image is segmented into regions of interest using the deformation map. A mapped delivered dose is computed for each region of interest using the dose delivery goals and the deformation map. The first treatment plan is merged with the segmented regions of the second image and the mapped delivered dose during optimization.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and method for hadron beam verification. The apparatus allows to verify a number of different characteristics in a brief time span. The apparatus comprises at least one main degrader element and associated therewith a multiple thickness degrader element. The latter may comprise a number of patches of beam degrading material, the patches having constant but mutually different thicknesses. Alternatively, it may be a wedge-shaped element. By aiming a pencil beam at the various thicknesses, data points can be obtained which allow to make an estimation of the beam range. In addition to this, the apparatus comprises a zone where no degrader material is present, and where a measurement of the spot size can be obtained, without moving or replacing the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of new drugs which refer to chemical series capable of catalyzing the decomposition of H2O2 to generate singlet oxygen (1O2). The drugs relate to therapeutic mechanisms, different from traditional photodynamic therapy, in which the specific affinity of photofrin to focus, such as tumors, vascular plaques and skin diseases is utilized. The activation of photofrin is carried out by specific protein binding or by electron beam, x-ray, r-ray, or other means, to focus, catalyze the decomposition reaction of H2O2 to generate 1O2 in the focus, 1O2 further induces apoptosis and necrosis of cells with pathological changes. The drugs are useful in tumors, vascular plaques and skin diseases, and cosmetic effects on skin are prompted. The drugs obtained via the screening and studying of the present invention are used for chemodynamic therapy (CDT), or for radiochemodynamic therapy (RCDT) carried out via radioactive rays.

Abstract: A radiotherapy treatment plan for irradiation of an object to be irradiated is determined. The object to be irradiated includes a number of irradiation areas and the object to be irradiated is irradiated with a number of beams from different directions. The method includes determining a number of total dose conditions. One of the number of total dose conditions is assigned to a respective one of the number of irradiation areas. The method further includes determining a number of single beam dose conditions. One of the single dose conditions is assigned to a respective one of the number of beams and a respective one of the number of irradiation areas. The method also includes determining irradiation parameters for the number of beams as a function of the number of total dose conditions and the number of single beam dose conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for compensating the deviation of an energetic beam of hadrons delivered by an irradiation unit of a hadron-therapy installation, with respect to an isocentre of a rotatable gantry supporting said irradiation unit, said irradiation unit comprising a collimator comprising an opening for the passage of said beam. The present invention also relates to a program comprising an algorithm for calculation of a correction to be applied to the position of an opening of a collimator of an irradiation unit of a hadron-therapy installation. The invention finally also relates to a hadron therapy installation.

Abstract: When IMRT technology for a radiation therapy system utilizing an X-ray or the like is applied to a particle beam therapy system having a conventional wobbler system, it is required to utilize two or more boluses. The present invention solves the problem of excess irradiation in IMRT by a particle beam therapy system. More specifically, the problem of excess irradiation in IMRT by a particle beam therapy system is solved by raising the irradiation flexibility in the depth direction, without utilizing a bolus. A particle beam irradiation apparatus has a scanning irradiation system that performs scanning with a charged particle beam accelerated by an accelerator and is mounted in a rotating gantry for rotating the irradiation direction of the charged particle beam. The particle beam irradiation apparatus comprises a columnar-irradiation-field generation apparatus that generates a columnar irradiation field by enlarging the Bragg peak of the charged particle beam.

Abstract: A planning apparatus (70) determines irradiation parameter data (67) for a charged particle irradiation system (1), which radiates charged particles generated by an ion source (2) to a target (80) by accelerating the charged particles by means of a linear accelerator (4) and a synchrotron (5). The planning apparatus is provided with: a planning program (73), which determines the irradiation parameter data (67) with respect to one target (80) by combining charged particles of a plurality of kinds of ion species; and a CPU (71) for executing the planning program. Consequently, the irradiation planning apparatus capable of performing irradiation with desirable dose distribution with respect to the target, the irradiation planning program, an irradiation plan determining method, and the charged particle irradiation system are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for modulating the Th/Th2 cell balance toward anti-inflammatory cytokine producing cells in a subject comprising decreasing the amount, the expression, or the activity of leptin in a subject sufficient to modulate the Th1/Th2 cell balance toward anti-inflammatory cytokine producing cells. The invention is also directed to methods of treatment of an immune-related disorder in a subject comprising decreasing the amount, the expression, or the activity of leptin in the subject sufficient to treat the immune-related disorder.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to heteroaryl compounds as MEK inhibitors. These compounds include heteroaryl compounds of formula I, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, combinations with suitable medicament and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The present disclosure also includes processes of preparation of the compounds and their use in methods of treatment.

Abstract: A method of treating large cell lung cancer in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or an analog or derivative thereof, thereby treating the large cell lung cancer in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a medical apparatus (100).

Abstract: A management system and method for managing a radiation treatment machine are disclosed herein. The system includes an information acquisition unit, an amount-of-use database, a treatment plan database, and a management unit. The information acquisition unit acquires information about the amount of use of the radiation treatment machine and information about a treatment plan. The amount-of-use database stores the information about the amount of use of the radiation treatment machine. The treatment plan database stores the time at which treatment is to be performed and information about the amount of use of the radiation treatment machine. The management unit checks whether the cumulative amount of use of the radiation treatment machine to exceed a predetermined reference value when the treatment is to be performed.

Abstract: A control device (control unit) to be used for controlling a scanning electromagnet that is used for scanning irradiation, which includes: a command-value processing line (a memory, an arithmetic circuit, an interface) that generates a command value for driving the scanning electromagnet on the basis of a treatment plan, and outputs the generated command value in synchronization with an accelerator; and a comparator unit that detects an error in the processing line; wherein a circuit (for example, the arithmetic circuit) that constitutes at least a part of the processing line is made redundant, and the comparator unit detects occurrence of the error in the processing line when outputs from the circuit made redundant are unmatched to each other.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting cancer cell growth is provided. In some versions, the method includes exposing lung cancer cells or glioma cells to 2,9-di-sec-butyl-1,10-phenanthroline (SBP) or derivatives of SBP in an amount effective to inhibit glioma cell growth. Also, a method of treating a lung cancer or a glioma tumor in a subject in need of such treatment is provided. The method includes administering SBP or derivatives of SBP to the subject in an amount effective to treat the lung cancer or glioma tumor. For either method, the method can further include exposing or administering pseudo five coordinate gold(III) complexes of SBP derivatives.

Abstract: A patient safety system (PSS) (100) uses optical tracking in a linear accelerator treatment room to prevent gross setup errors. A patient (150) undergoes a computed tomography (CT) treatment-simulation scan while a CT ball bearing (BB) is on patient's surface. The CT BB is replaced with an infrared reflective marker (IRRM) (160) before radiotherapy treatment starts. Coordinates of the CT BB relative to an isocenter of the treatment room are used as reference for tracking. The coordinate system of an optical tracking system is converted to a coordinate system of the treatment room. The PSS evaluates setup accuracy for a radiotherapy session by comparing real-time position of the single IRRM determined by the optical tracking technology with a predicted reference position, and displays results on a graphical user interface. The PSS stops radiation when a deviation between real-time coordinates and predicted coordinates of the IRRM (160) exceeds a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A gantry wheel adjustment system and method to adjust a gantry wheel of a proton treatment system, including an estimation unit to estimate a bearing adjustment value for each of the adjustable bearings based on a stiffness parameter of each adjustable bearing, the stiffness parameter being a function of a force applied at each adjustable bearing and a deflection of the gantry wheel associated with the force applied at each adjustable bearing, the bearing adjustment value corresponding to a nominal position value for each adjustable bearing to compensate for gantry wheel flexing when the gantry wheel is rotated from a first angular position to a second angular position, the adjustable bearings being configured to support the gantry wheel on the bearing surface and maintain the proton beam at the isocenter of the gantry wheel during gantry wheel rotation.

Abstract: A method for packetizing a beam-charged particle, in which the particles pass through an electric field in a device is provided. The device includes an annular shaped central electrode which, in the direction of the beam, is arranged between a first outer electrode and a second outer electrode. A time-dependent electric voltage signal is applied to the central electrode, the temporal course thereof being selected such that particles inside the device undergo a position-dependent speed modification. The course of the speed modification is approximately sawtooth-shaped in the direction of the beam. An associated device is also provided.

Abstract: A laser accelerator driven electronic brachytherapy system, device, and method for particle based treatment of a tumor or other human diseases and conditions.

Abstract: A radiation therapy apparatus includes a housing, a radiation source carried by the housing, and at least one aperture assembly carried by the housing. The aperture assembly includes a radiation aperture body having a shaped opening therein to control a radiation dosing profile, and an aperture holder with an aperture-receiving passageway therein receiving the radiation aperture body, and having a recessed end. A cover is received within the recessed end of the aperture holder and retains the radiation aperture body within the aperture holder. The cover has an opening aligned with the shaped opening in the radiation aperture body. The radiation aperture body, the aperture receiving passageway of the aperture holder and the opening of the cover have angled interfaces therebetween. A radiation filter is carried by the housing.

Abstract: A radio- or chemo-sensitizing compound is described herein. The compound comprises a nanoparticle and attached to the nanoparticle; (i) a DNA repair inhibitor; and (ii) a nuclear localization signal element (NLS); each optionally attached via one or more linker moieties.

Abstract: A radiation therapy apparatus includes a radiation source and a ring shaped gantry. The gantry includes a static ring component and a dynamic ring component upon which the radiation source is mounted, the dynamic ring component is rotatable about its center and is provided in multiple arcuate parts that can be assembled together to form the dynamic ring component.

Abstract: A system or use with a radiotherapy system includes a scanner for producing images of at least one object within an imaging volume, a radiotherapy apparatus including a source of therapeutic radiation adapted to deliver a beam of radiation into the at least one object, a treatment planning system for controlling the source so as to deliver radiation in accordance with a predetermined plan for treating a patient and with the images of the at least one object, and at least one device within and/or adjacent to the imaging volume. The at least one device comprises at least one first marker which is visible to the scanner and at least one MR second marker which is visible to an MR scanner. The system further comprises a database containing data including the markers associated with the at least one device and at least its geometric and density characteristics.

Abstract: An IGRT apparatus includes a medical imaging device integrated with a linear accelerator, the linear accelerator is configured for emitting a radiation beam, which is shaped by a beam shaper, and a gantry. The position of the beam shaper is adjustable between a first position and a second position; the first position is a treatment position and the second position is a non-treatment position and the first position is within the gantry and the second position is removed from the gantry.

Abstract: A compact high-gradient, very high energy electron (VHEE) accelerator and delivery system (and related processes) capable of treating patients from multiple beam directions with great speed, using all-electromagnetic or radiofrequency deflection steering is provided, that can deliver an entire dose or fraction of high-dose radiation therapy sufficiently fast to freeze physiologic motion, yet with a better degree of dose conformity or sculpting than conventional photon therapy. In addition to the unique physical advantages of extremely rapid radiation delivery, there may also be radiobiological advantages in terms of greater tumor or other target control efficacy for the same physical radiation dose.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods comprising providing a tyrosine derivative and a solid particulate material (and, optionally, melanin) and applying force to said tyrosine derivative and said solid particulate material for a time and under conditions effective to impregnate at least one of said tyrosine derivative and said solid particulate material with the other of said tyrosine derivative and said solid particulate material. The invention also provides compositions comprising at least one of a tyrosine derivative impregnated with a solid particulate material and a solid particulate material impregnated with a tyrosine derivative.

Abstract: A therapy planning system (10) includes at least one processor (74, 72) programmed to receive an initial elasticity image of the target generated prior to execution of a fraction of a treatment plan for the target. The target is delinated in the initial elasticity image to segment the initial elasticity image. One or more elasticity images of the target generated during and/or after execution of the fraction are received and delineated to segment the elasticity images. The segmentation of the initial elasticity image is compared against the segmentations of the additional elasticity images to identify motion of the target and/or changes of the target. Based on the comparison, the treatment plan is updated and/or execution of the fraction is controlled.

Abstract: An implantable device has a body that is substantially rigid and has an imageable shape. The body is further bioabsorbable and may contain permanent metallic elements to aid in its imaging. When the device is implanted in a resected cavity in soft tissue, it can cause the cavity to conform substantially to a known imageable shape. The implantable device is further imageable due to its attenuation properties being different from those of soft tissue such that the boundaries of the tissue corresponding to the predetermined shape can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention concerns, in a first aspect, compounds of Formula I as defined herein, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The present invention also relates to compounds of Formula I for use as acid ceramidase inhibitors, and in the treatment of cancer and other disorders in which modulation of the levels of ceramide is clinically relevant.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for providing particle beams for radiation therapy with a compact design and suitable to a single treatment room. The radiation system comprises a stationary cyclotron coupled to a rotating gantry assembly through a beam line assembly. The system is equipped with a single set of dipole magnets that are installed on the rotating gantry assembly and undertakes the dual functions of beam energy selection and beam deflection. The energy degrader may be exposed to the air pressure. The beam line assembly comprises a rotating segment and a stationary segment that are separated from each other through an intermediate segment that is exposed to an ambient pressure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation activated device comprises a property changing material and at least one functionalized fullerene that upon irradiation of the functionalized fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies a thermally activated chemical or physical transformation occurs in the property changing material. The thermal activated transformation of the property changing material is triggered by the heating or combustion of the functionalized fullerenes upon their irradiation. The device can include a chemical agent that is embedded in the property changing material and is released when the material is heated by the functionalized fullerenes upon irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a microfabricated scintillation detector, comprising a channel structure (26) for containing a liquid scintillator material therein and flowing said liquid scintillator material therethrough. The channel structure (26) comprises first and second sets (30, 36) of adjacent channel portions (32, 38) arranged in first and second layers (34, 40) and in fluid communication with each other. The second set (36) of adjacent channel portions (38) is directed at right angles with respect to the first set (30) of adjacent channel portions (32). The first and second layers (34, 40) are stacked on top of each other with a separation layer (42) in between, integrally connecting said first and second layers (34, 40). The channel structure (26) simultaneously forms a light guiding structure for guiding scintillation light (52) towards a longitudinal end of the corresponding channel portion (32, 38).

Abstract: An ophthalmic radiation device using a polymeric radiation-source implemented as either a polymer molecularly bonded with a radioisotope or a polymeric encasement of a radioisotope.