News | Proton Therapy | May 25, 2022

Successful Proof of Concept for Ultra-compact Proton Therapy System

Proof of feasibility of downsizing to the world's smallest size, and moved to final confirmation for application for PMDA approval

The ultra-compact proton therapy system used in the POC (Photo: Business Wire)

The ultra-compact proton therapy system used in the POC (Photo: Business Wire)

May 25, 2022 — B dot Medical Inc. and Research Center for Nuclear Physics, Osaka University (RCNP) have conducted a Proof of Concept (POC) of the ultra-compact proton therapy system under development and confirmed that the proton beam generated by an accelerator was bent inside the superconducting bending magnet in the system and irradiated to the isocenter (*1). That proves the feasibility of the development concept of downsizing the device and is a major step forward in improving access to cancer treatment with fewer side effects.

This POC was conducted as part of the International Joint Usage/Research Center program promoted by the Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP) at Osaka University and is also the first experimental research using the upgraded AVF cyclotron beam at the Accelerator Facility of the RCNP. In the POC, the proton beam generated by the accelerator was passed through a superconducting bending magnet (*2) developed in-house, and it was confirmed that the proton beam was irradiated to the isocenter by being bent to an arbitrary angle in the bending magnet.

For more information: https://bdotmed.co.jp/en/

References:

*1	The Isocenter is the intersection of each mechanical rotation axis.
	In radiation therapy, it refers to the area where the radiation is most concentrated.
	(by “Guidelines of Physical and Technological Quality Assurance for Particle Beam Therapy”)

*2	Press release, June 25, 2021
	“B dot Medical Successfully Develops Compact Bending Magnet for Proton Beam Using Superconducting Technology”
	https://bdotmed.co.jp/en/news/20210625/