Status report of the NAC particle therapy programme

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Particle Therapy

Background:

• The National Accelerator Centre has operated a 200 MeV cyclotron facility since 1987.
• Established neutron and proton therapy services have treated a significant number of patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the clinical application and technical advancements of neutron and proton therapy at the facility.
• To highlight ongoing developments in beam delivery and patient positioning.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 66 MeV proton-boron (p+Be) isocentric neutron therapy system for various cancer protocols.
• Employed a 200 MeV fixed horizontal proton therapy facility, including intracranial stereotactic irradiations.
• Implemented a multiblade post-collimator trimmer for improved neutron beam shaping.
• Incorporated an innovative automatic patient positioning system for proton therapy.

Main Results:

• Between 1988-1997, 973 patients received neutron therapy for head and neck, salivary gland, breast, and soft tissue sarcomas, and uterine sarcomas.
• Between 1993-1997, 243 patients underwent proton therapy, primarily for intracranial stereotactic irradiations.
• New treatment capabilities include enhanced neutron beam shaping and advanced patient positioning.

Conclusions:

• The facility offers established neutron and proton therapy services for diverse oncological indications.
• Ongoing development focuses on advanced beam delivery techniques, including spot scanning, and new beam lines.
• Technological enhancements aim to improve treatment precision and expand therapeutic applications.