MRI-linear Accelerators

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Brief Description Researchers at Stanford and University of California, Berkeley, have developed an integrated MRI-Linac hybrid system that can increase the efficacy of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). This system allows more aggressive treatment strategies that employ dose escalation, tighter geometric margins and sharper dose gradients which can improve clinical outcomes. This radiotherapy treatment apparatus includes a treatment beam (charged by Linac, particle, proton, or electron beam), a magnetic field disposed parallel collinear to the treatment beam, and a target that is disposed along the treatment beam. MRI is ideal for IGRT, however, there is magnetic field and RF interference between the linear accelerator and MRI scanner. The configurations of this system overcome this issue. Application Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) Advantages Increases efficacy of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) Overcomes the interference of magnetic field and RF interference between the linear accelerator and MRI scanner Can allow more aggressive treatment strategies that employ dose escalation, tighter geometric margins and sharper dose gradients No current commercial method capable of directly visualizing a soft-tissue volume such as a prostate tumor or lung nodule during dose delivery Can be applied, with minimal modifications, to improve dose delivery using super-high energy protons