The facility for proton therapy consists of an accelerator room, two rotating gantry irradiation rooms, one horizontal irradiation room (currently out of use), and the control room.
The irradiator rotates to generate proton beams from desired angles in accordance with the size and the depth of the tumor. The sliding screens (shoji) at the windows create a relaxing atmosphere in the rooms.
In the back of each rotating gantry irradiation room, there sits a gantry which generates the rotating mechanism. A gantry is a very big equipment, with both the length and the height of 10 meters each, and the weight of about 170 tons.
In the back of each rotating gantry irradiation room, there sits a gantry which generates the rotating mechanism. A gantry is a very big equipment, with both the length and the height of 10 meters each, and the weight of about 170 tons.
Protons are accelerated up to 70% of the speed of light in the proton synchrotron accelerator, which has been installed exclusively for this purpose. Proton beams travel to the irradiation rooms inside the equipment called the beam transport system comprising vacuum pipes and electromagnets.
Proton therapy is controlled in this room. The accelerator and the irradiators are controlled by computers in order to get the proton beam delivered accurately. The radiation staff will stand by in the control room at all times during the treatment to monitor the patient, and talk to him/her via intercom when necessary. Patient can feel secure during the treatment.
|
Building Overview |
A steel-framed reinforced concrete building with a steel-frame portion connected |
|
Acceleration System |
Synchrotron Accelerator |
|
Maximum Beam Energy |
235MeV |
|
Treatment Rooms |
2 Rotating Gantry Irradiation Rooms |
