JPH1119234A - Beam radiating device and radiotherapy apparatus using the beam radiating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the accuracy of specifying a region to be irradiated by relatively moving a table and a radiating means according to the result of imaging a marker of a body to be irradiated on the table and a marker contained in the result of superposing the imaged marker and the beam radiating position one on another to be imaged. SOLUTION: The diseased part of a patient 37 is imaged by X-CT 20 and stored in an image data file 36, and the central projection image is created by a computer 19 and displayed on a reference image display 30. A marker M contained in the body of a patient is displayed on the reference image. Subsequently, an X-ray is radiated from an X-ray tube 21 to the patient 37 to form an optical image from the X-ray image, and the optical image is analog- converted by a TV camera 26. The analog image is input to the computer 19 through a CCU 27 and an ADS 29 and displayed as an X-TV image on an image display 31. On this screen, the positional relationship to the patient's marker M is found to relatively move a table 38 and the X-ray tube 21. Thus, the accuracy of specifying a part to be irradiated can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an object to be illuminated having a marker based on a positional relationship between the marker and an illuminated portion of the illuminated object and a positional relationship between the marker and a beam irradiation position. The present invention relates to a beam irradiation device that accurately irradiates a beam to an irradiated portion of an irradiation body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Such a beam irradiation apparatus is applied to a radiotherapy apparatus in which an object to be irradiated is, for example, a patient suffering from cancer, and an irradiated part is an affected part requiring treatment. An example of this treatment apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-151467, which is shown in FIG. This FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional treatment apparatus. In FIG. 11, a vertical irradiation device 10 irradiates a beam such as a charged particle beam. Reference numeral 11 denotes a range shifter, which is provided inside the vertical irradiation device 10. Reference numeral 12 denotes a dosimeter, which is connected to the vertical irradiation device 10.

[0003] Reference numeral 13 denotes a collimator. Reference numeral 14 denotes an irradiation unit, which includes a vertical irradiation device 10, a range shifter 11, a dosimeter 12, and a collimator 13. Reference numeral 15 denotes a beam axis, which indicates a direction of a beam irradiated from the irradiation unit 14. Note that the vertical irradiation device 10, the range shifter 11, the dosimeter 12, and the collimator 13 that constitute the irradiation unit 14 are arranged on a beam axis 15 perpendicular to the ground surface in the above-described order toward a direction approaching the ground surface.

[0004] Reference numeral 16 denotes a first communication device. A data bus 17 is connected to the first communication device. Reference numeral 18 denotes a second communication device, which is connected to the data bus 17. 1
Reference numeral 9 denotes a computer, which is connected to the second communication device 18.
Reference numeral 20 denotes an X-ray computed tomography (hereinafter, referred to as X-CT) as a first imaging unit, which is connected to a first communication device.

[0005] An X-ray tube 21 is connected to the dosimeter 12 and the collimator 13. 22 is an X-ray tube controller.
It is connected to the wire tube 21. Reference numeral 23 denotes an image intensity fire (hereinafter, referred to as II). An optical system 24 is connected to the I.I 23. An auto iris 25 is connected to the optical system 24. Reference numeral 26 denotes a television camera (hereinafter, referred to as a TV camera), which is connected to the auto iris 25. The auto iris 25 is a TV
The aperture of the camera 26 is controlled.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a camera control unit (hereinafter, referred to as CCU), which is connected to the TV camera 26. Reference numeral 28 denotes second imaging means, which includes an X-ray tube 21, an X-ray tube controller 22, an I / I 23, an optical system 24, and an auto iris 2.
5, a TV camera 26 and a CCU 27. In addition, the second imaging means 28 includes the X-ray tube controller 22 and the CCU 2
Except for 7, they are arranged on the beam axis 15 in the order described above toward the direction approaching the ground surface. The X-ray tube 21 is arranged between the dosimeter 12 and the collimator 13. Further, the collimator 13 is arranged between the X-ray tube 21 and the I.I.

Reference numeral 29 denotes an analog-digital converter (hereinafter, referred to as an analog-to-digital converter).
ADC) and is connected to the CCU 27. The computer 19 is a calculating means and is connected to the ADC 29. 30
Is a reference image display which is a first display means,
Connected to the computer 19. An image display 31 is a second display means, and is connected to the computer 19. 3
Reference numeral 2 denotes a character display, which is connected to the computer 19. A keyboard 33 is connected to the computer 19. An operation panel 34 is connected to the computer 19. Reference numeral 35 denotes a tablet serving as an input means, which is a computer 1
9 is connected. An image data file 36 is connected to the computer 19.

Reference numeral 37 denotes a patient. 38 is a treatment table,
The patient 37 is placed. Note that the treatment table 38 is a computer 19
Connected to. Further, the treatment table 38 is provided with the collimator 13 and I.
I23 is provided.

Next, the operation of the conventional radiation therapy apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of the operation of the conventional radiotherapy apparatus. In FIG. 12, when the patient 37 is diagnosed, the affected area K of the patient 37 is X-CT
A plurality of X-CT images obtained by imaging at 20 are stored in the image data file 36. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the plurality of X-CT images are stored in the image data file 36.
See (A). It is assumed that the position of the affected part K of the patient 37 is clearly imaged in the X-CT image.

At the time of treatment planning after examining the patient 37,
The X-CT image stored in the image data file 36 is shown in FIG.
The image is converted into the center projection image shown in FIG. 12D at the position of the virtual X-ray tube and II 23 shown in FIG. 2C (FIG. 12B). The conversion from the X-CT image to the center projection image is performed by the computer 19. Then, the center projected image (hereinafter, referred to as a reference image) is displayed on the reference image display 30.

When a reference image is displayed on the reference image display 30, at least three or more markers M1, M are located at any position identifiable in the reference image, for example, a bone position.
2, and M3. Note that the markers M1, M2, and M3 attached to the reference image are set by the tablet 35. FIG. 12D shows a state where the markers M1, M2, and M3 are added to the reference image. And FIG.
The positional relationship between the affected area K and the markers M1, M2, and M3 shown in (D) is checked by the computer 19.

After the treatment planning, when positioning the affected part K of the patient 37, the patient 37 on the treatment table 38 is moved from the X-ray tube 21.
Is irradiated with X-rays. From this X-ray tube 21 to the treatment table 3
FIG. 12 shows a state in which X-rays are irradiated to the patient 37 on the upper side of FIG.
It is shown in (a). The voltage of the X-ray tube 21 is controlled by an X-ray tube controller 22.

The I.I.23 converts the collected X-ray image of the patient 37, in which the position of the beam axis 15 is apparent, into an optical image. The optical image obtained by the I.I 23 is transmitted to the TV camera 26 via the optical system 24 and the auto iris 25.
Is input to Then, the optical image input to the TV camera 26 is converted into an analog electric signal and output. The analog signal output from the TV camera 26 is
The signal is input to the ADC 29 via the input terminal 27. And ADC
The analog signal input to 29 is converted into a digital signal and output.

The digital signal output from the ADC 29 is input to the computer 19. The digital signal input to the computer 19 is subjected to correction of peripheral distortion (also referred to as pincushion distortion). The correction of the peripheral distortion by the computer 19 is performed at the stage of FIG. And Calculator 1
The digital signal subjected to the correction of the peripheral distortion and the like in 9 is output to the image display 31. The image display 31 outputs an image (hereinafter, referred to as an X-TV image) based on the digital signal on which the input peripheral distortion has been corrected and the like. Note that the tablets 35 attach markers N1, N2, and N3 to the X-TV image at the same positions as the reference image. FIG. 12C shows a state where the markers N1, N2, and N3 are added to the X-TV image.

Then, the computer 19 checks the positional relationship between the center 0 of the beam axis 15 and the markers N1, N2, and N3 shown in FIG. Further, the positional relationship between the affected part K and the center 0 of the beam axis is checked by the computer 19. FIG. 12D shows a state in which the positional relationship between the affected part K and the center 0 of the beam axis is adjusted. That is, FIG.
As shown in (d), the computer 19 calculates the amount of movement of the treatment table 38 so that the center 0 of the beam axis 15 coincides with the center of the affected part K. And Calculator 1
A control signal based on the amount of movement of the treatment table 38 to be moved calculated by 9 is used to drive the treatment table 38 (not shown).
Is output to The drive device to which the control signal based on the movement amount to move the treatment table 38 output from the computer 19 is input moves the treatment table 38 so that the charged particle beam is accurately irradiated on the affected part K.

At the time of actual treatment after positioning,
The shape of K, the depth of the affected part K, and the absorbed dose of the charged particle beam are
This is a parameter for treating the affected area. The collimator 13, the range shifter 11, and the dosimeter 12 are controlled based on the parameters of the affected area treatment. Then, the irradiating means 14 irradiates the affected part K with a charged particle beam based on the parameters of the affected part treatment. That is, the collimator 13 is controlled based on the shape of the affected part K, which is one of the parameters for the affected part treatment, and shapes the shape of the charged particle beam output from the irradiation unit 14.

The range shifter 11 is controlled based on the depth of the affected part K, which is one of the parameters for treating the affected part,
The energy of the charged particle beam output from the irradiation unit 14 is adjusted, and the range of the charged particle beam is adjusted. Further, the dosimeter 12 monitors the dose of the charged particle beam output from the irradiation unit 14. The shape, dose, and energy of the beam of the charged particle beam to be irradiated are obtained from the reference image and the X-TV image. When the charged particle beam is irradiated from the irradiation unit 14 onto the diseased part of the diseased part K, the X-ray tube 21 is moved to a position away from the beam axis 15 of the charged particle beam.

[0018]

As described above, in the conventional beam irradiation apparatus, the markers M1 to M3 and N1 to N3 are input from the tablet 35, and the object to be irradiated does not have a marker. A reference image displayed on the first display means,
And the X-TV image displayed on the second display means, respectively, because the information about the marker was input from the input means, the position of the marker attached to the reference image and the marker attached to the X-TV image And the accuracy of specifying the irradiated portion is reduced. In addition, when the object to be irradiated moves and the position of the part to be irradiated changes during the irradiation of the beam, there is a problem that the irradiation of the beam cannot be continuously performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a beam irradiation apparatus capable of specifying an irradiated portion of an object to be irradiated with high accuracy and irradiating the irradiated portion with a beam. With the goal. In addition, the present invention also appropriately checks the position of a marker that determines the irradiated portion of the irradiated object even during irradiation of the beam, and even if the irradiated object moves, the beam is irradiated with high accuracy. It is an object of the present invention to obtain a beam irradiation apparatus capable of specifying an irradiated portion and continuously irradiating the irradiated portion with a beam.

[0020]

According to the present invention, there is provided a beam irradiation apparatus comprising: a table on which an object to be irradiated having a marker is placed; an irradiation section of the object to be irradiated with a beam from the irradiation means; And a first means for outputting an imaging result, and an image of a marker of an irradiation target, and superimposing a beam irradiation position of a beam of an irradiation means irradiated to a fixed position in an imaging range as an imaging result. The second means to output, based on the marker included in the imaging result output from the first means and the marker included in the imaging result output from the second means,
And a movement control means for relatively moving the table and the irradiation means so that the irradiation means irradiates the irradiation part with a beam from the irradiation means.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, the marker is embedded in the irradiation object.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, a marker is attached to an object to be irradiated.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, the shape of the marker has directionality.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, the beam output from the irradiation means is a charged particle beam, an X-ray, or an electron beam.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, the irradiation means includes an irradiation apparatus for outputting a beam, a range shifter provided in the irradiation apparatus for changing the energy of the beam, and a beam output from the irradiation apparatus. A dosimeter for measuring the dose of the beam, and a collimator for shaping the beam incident through the dosimeter, the second means comprising: an X-ray tube for outputting X-rays; and an X-ray tube connected to the X-ray tube. An X-ray tube controller for controlling a voltage applied to the X-ray tube, and an image in which X-rays output from the X-ray tube are incident and an X-ray image obtained based on the incident X-rays is converted into an optical image and output. Having an intensity fire and a television camera that receives the optical image output from the image intensity fire and converts the optical image into an electric signal,
The irradiating means irradiates the irradiated object with the beam through the dosimeter and the collimator, and when the X-ray is irradiated from the X-ray tube, stops the irradiation of the beam output from the irradiating means, and the dosimeter and the collimator The X-ray tube irradiates the object to be irradiated with X-rays through a collimator.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, the second means has a radiation sensor in place of the image intensity and the television camera, and the radiation sensor is output from the X-ray tube. X-rays are incident, and an X-ray image obtained based on the incident X-rays is converted into an electric signal.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, the second means periodically captures an image of the marker of the irradiation object,
The beam irradiation position of the irradiation unit that irradiates the fixed position within the imaging range is superimposed on the beam irradiation position, and is periodically output as an imaging result. The movement control unit includes a marker included in the imaging result output from the first unit. And moving the table and the irradiating unit relatively so that the irradiating unit is irradiated with the beam from the irradiating unit, based on the marker included in the imaging result periodically output from the second unit. It is.

Further, the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention is a first means for imaging a table on which an irradiation target having a marker is mounted, an irradiation target portion of the irradiation target and the marker, and outputting an imaging result. A second means for capturing an image of a marker on an irradiation target, superimposing an X-ray irradiation position of an X-ray of the second means for irradiating a fixed position within the imaging range, and outputting as an imaging result; A base and a base so that X-rays are emitted from the second unit to the irradiated part of the irradiation target based on the marker included in the imaging result output from and the marker included in the imaging result output from the second unit. Movement control means for relatively moving the second means.

Further, the radiation therapy apparatus according to the present invention uses a beam irradiation apparatus with an object to be irradiated as a patient and an irradiated part as an affected part of the patient.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1 FIG. As one embodiment of the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, a radiation therapy apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, M is a marker, which is embedded in the body of the patient 37. The size of the marker M is very small and can be implanted into the patient 37 without performing laparotomy. As such a marker M, for example, a marker M made of gold (Au) having a diameter of about 2 mm can be considered. With a marker M of this size, it is possible to embed this marker M in the patient 37 by providing it at the tip of the injection needle without performing laparotomy for embedding in the patient 37. The marker M may be attached to the body of the patient 37.

In FIG. 1, parts that are the same as or correspond to those in the conventional example shown in FIG. 11 are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Parts different from FIG. 11 are described. In addition, the irradiation target corresponds to the patient 37, the irradiation target corresponds to the affected part K, the first unit corresponds to the first imaging unit 20, the second unit corresponds to the second imaging unit 28, The movement control means corresponds to the computer 19.

The beam emitted by the vertical irradiation device of the radiotherapy apparatus shown in FIG. 1 may be a charged particle beam (proton beam, heavy particle beam), an electron beam, an X-ray, or a neutron beam. The dose distribution, which is a characteristic of the charged particle beam, the electron beam, and the X-ray, is different. The dose distribution indicates at which depth of the patient 37 the charged particle beam, the electron beam, or the X-ray is absorbed when the charged particle beam, the electron beam, or the X-ray is irradiated on the patient 37. The charged particle beam can be intensively absorbed at an arbitrary depth by the energy at the time of its incidence, and only the affected part at an arbitrary depth can be intensively treated. On the other hand, X-rays and electron beams are relatively uniformly absorbed at any depth as compared to charged particle beams.

Further, the marker M shown in FIG. 1 which is implanted in the patient 37 is different from a spherical shape so that it is easy to determine whether or not the marker M has moved after being implanted in the patient 37. The shape is better. FIG. 2 illustrates a shape of the marker M different from the spherical shape. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the shape of the marker M. In FIG.
Reference numeral 39 denotes a marker M shaped like a tear. Also,
Numeral 40 is a marker M shaped like a daruma in which two different spheres are combined. Note that, as the shape of the marker M, an elliptical shape or the like can be considered in addition to the two types described above.

Although the second imaging means 28 of the radiotherapy apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is configured to irradiate the ground surface with X-rays from the vertical direction, It may be configured to irradiate X-rays from the direction. Further, the irradiation unit 14 of the radiotherapy apparatus shown in FIG. 1 may irradiate the treatment table 38 with X-rays from a vertical direction.
The irradiating means 14 may irradiate the treatment table 38 with X-rays in the horizontal direction. Further, the irradiation unit 14 may irradiate the treatment table 38 with X-rays from an oblique direction.

FIG. 3 shows how the second imaging means 28 and the irradiating means 14 of these radiotherapy devices irradiate X-rays or therapeutic beams. FIG. 3 shows that the irradiation unit 14 and the second imaging unit 28 included in the radiation therapy apparatus rotate,
It is a conceptual diagram which shows the change of the irradiation direction of an X-ray or a therapeutic beam. As the second imaging means 28 in FIG. 3, only the X-ray tube 21 and II 23 are shown. As shown in FIG. 3, the irradiation direction of the charged particle beam emitted from the radiotherapy apparatus of Embodiment 1 is the beam axis 15 which is perpendicular to the ground surface, Beam axis 1
5a may be used.

The irradiation direction of the charged particle beam irradiated from the radiation therapy apparatus may be any rotation direction set by rotating around the treatment table 38. When the irradiation direction of the charged particle beam is perpendicular to the ground surface, the X-ray tube 21 and the I.I.23 are arranged on the beam axis 15 with the treatment table 38 interposed therebetween. When the irradiation direction of the charged particle beam is horizontal to the ground surface, the X-ray tube 21a and the I.I.23a are arranged on the beam axis 15a with the treatment table 38 interposed therebetween.
Note that the X-ray tube 21 and the I.I. 23 may be arranged at positions of the X-ray tube 21b and the I.I. 23b on the beam axis 15b perpendicular to the beam axis 15. The X-ray tube 21a and the I.I 23a
Is an X-ray tube 2 on a beam axis 15b perpendicular to the beam axis 15a.
1b and II 23b. FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the radiotherapy apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a front view, a side view, and a top view of the radiation therapy apparatus according to the first embodiment.

Next, the operation of the radiotherapy apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of the operation of the radiotherapy apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG.
First, the affected area K of the patient 37 is X-CT20.
To image. The X-CT image captured by the X-CT 20 includes a cross section of a torso of the patient 37 from the front of the chest of the patient 37 to the back of the back thereof. Then, a plurality of X-CTs obtained as a result of imaging with the X-CT 20
The images are stored in the image data file 36. This stage is shown in FIG.

Next, at the stage (B), the computer 19 converts these X-CT images based on the plurality of X-CT images stored in the image data file 36, and A central projection image that clearly shows the affected part K of the patient 37 on a plane parallel to the surface of is created. The center projection image corresponds to an image obtained by X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 21 and being incident on the I.I. 23 via the patient 37, and a virtual diagram thereof is shown in FIG.
A central projection image obtained by conversion by the computer 19 based on the X-CT image is shown in FIG.

The obtained center projected image (hereinafter, referred to as a reference image) is displayed on the reference image display 30. The reference image displayed on the reference image display 30 includes at least three markers M1, M2, and M3.
At least three or more markers are embedded in the body of the patient 37 so that is displayed. Further, the position of the marker to be embedded in the patient 37 is determined in advance based on the CT image of the affected part of the patient 37 by the first imaging unit 1 when the position of the marker to be embedded determines the irradiation position of the therapeutic beam. Decided to be easy to understand.

When the marker is embedded in the vicinity of the affected part of the patient 37, a plurality of CT images of the affected part of the patient 37 are photographed using the first imaging means 1 again. This CT image is image-converted into a slice image to be actually positioned in order to confirm the position of the affected part of the patient 37 and the position of the marker embedded in the patient 37. Then, based on this slice image, the computer 19 calculates the position of the affected part K of the patient 37 and the position of the patient 3.
The calculation is performed to clarify the positional relationship with the positions of the markers M1, M2, and M3 embedded in the body of No. 7.

When the treatment planning shown in (A) to (D) of FIG. 5 is completed, the affected part of the patient 37 shown in (a) to (d) of FIG.
Move when positioning K. At the time of the positioning, first, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube 21 to the patient 37 on the treatment table 38. This situation is shown in FIG. The X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 21 are input to the I.I.
Then, in I.I23, the obtained X-ray image by the X-ray is converted into an optical image. In addition, X obtained by this I.I23
In the line image and the optical image, the position of the beam axis 15 is clear.

The optical image obtained by the I.I. 23 is transmitted to the TV camera 26 via the optical system 24 and the auto iris 25.
And converted to an analog electric signal and output. The analog signal output from the TV camera 26 is
The signal is input to the ADC 29 via the CCU 27, converted into a digital signal, and output. The digital signal output from the ADC 29 is input to the computer 19, where peripheral distortion (pincushion distortion) is corrected. This situation is shown in FIG. The digital signal whose peripheral distortion has been corrected by the computer 19 is output to an image display 31, and the image display 31 has an image (based on the input digital signal whose peripheral distortion has been corrected) based on the digital signal. Hereinafter, X-TV
Is output.

Incidentally, markers M1, M2 and M3 are displayed at the same position as the reference image in the X-TV image. This situation is shown in FIG. Then, the center 0 of the beam axis 15 and the markers M1, M2, and M3 shown in FIG.
Is calculated by the computer 19. Further, the computer 19 calculates the positional relationship between the position of the affected area K of the patient 37 calculated at the time of treatment planning (FIG. 5D) and the positions of the markers M1, M2, and M3 embedded in the body of the patient 37,
And the marker 0 embedded in the body of the patient 37 and the center 0 of the beam axis 15 calculated at the time of this positioning (FIG. 5C).
The positional relationship between the position of the affected part K of the patient 37 and the center 0 of the beam axis is calculated based on the positional relationship between M1, M2, and M3. FIG. 5D shows a state in which the positional relationship between the position of the affected part K of the patient 37 and the center 0 of the beam axis is adjusted.

The patient 3 calculated by the calculator 19
Based on the positional relationship between the position of the affected area K and the center 0 of the beam axis, the computer 19 calculates the treatment table 38 on which the patient 37 is placed.
Is output to a driving device of the treatment table 38. The driving device to which the control signal output from the computer 19 is input moves the treatment table 38 so that the charged particle beam output from the irradiation unit 14 is accurately irradiated on the affected part K of the patient 37. Then, the irradiating means 14 irradiates the affected part K with the charged particle beam for treatment. The charged particle beam output from the irradiating means 14 has the shape of the affected part K of the patient 3 and the affected part.
Adjusted by the depth of K, and the absorbed dose of the charged particle beam, the collimator 13 is adjusted according to the shape of the affected part K,
The range shifter 11 is adjusted according to the depth of the affected part K, the dose is monitored by the dosimeter 12, and the dose of the charged particle beam is adjusted.

In FIG. 5, the same or corresponding parts as those in the operation of the conventional example shown in FIG.
The description is focused on the differences from FIG. Further, the radiation therapy apparatus according to the first embodiment periodically observes the marker M embedded in the body of the patient 37, and estimates a change in the position of the affected part K with a change in the position of the marker M. And
The position of the treatment table 38 on which the patient 37 is placed is moved to the position of the affected part K, which is estimated to change with the change in the position of the marker M embedded in the patient 37, and the charge output from the irradiation unit 14 is changed. The flow of the operation of irradiating the affected part K of the patient 37 with the particle beam will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows the radiotherapy apparatus according to the first embodiment, in which the affected part K of the patient 37 is changed according to a change in the position of the marker M embedded in the patient 37 to be treated.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing how to estimate a change in the position.

In FIG. 6, M1 is the position of the first marker at the first time, M2 is the position of the second marker at the first time, and M3 is the position of the third marker at the first time. Position. M1 ′ is the position of the first marker at a second time after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first time. M2 'is the position of the second marker at a second time after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first time. M3 'is the position of the third marker at a second time after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first time.

The positions of the first to third markers observed at the first point in time and the positions of the first to third markers observed at the second point in time are in the same direction. If the distance has changed by a similar distance within the predetermined range, the affected part K of the patient 37 observed at the position that is the first time point is assumed to have moved to the position of K ′ at the second time point, The judgment is made by the computer 19, and the computer 19 becomes the treatment table 3 on which the patient 37 is placed.
By moving the position 8, the charged particle beam output from the irradiation unit 14 is irradiated on the affected part K of the patient 37. It should be noted that the position of the treatment table 38 on which the patient 37 is placed may be moved periodically collectively based on the calculation result of the computer 19 calculated periodically, or the calculation result of the computer 19 is output. May move gradually in a certain period.

The positions of the first to third markers observed at the first time are different from the positions of the first to third markers observed at the second time. Direction, or when moving in the same direction but different distances from each other, the position of the charged particle beam irradiated from the irradiation unit 14 and the position of the diseased part K are not the same. The irradiation of the charged particle beam is stopped. In addition, the radiotherapy apparatus of the first embodiment may observe the marker M embedded in the body of the patient 37 at any time or at any time. As a treatment using the radiation therapy apparatus according to the first embodiment, for example, cancer treatment can be considered. At this time, always accurately grasping the position of the affected part K can prevent unnecessary irradiation of radiation to a part that does not need to be treated.

As described above, the radiotherapy apparatus according to the present embodiment embeds the marker M having a very small size in the patient 37 without taking time and labor such as laparotomy.
It is easy to accurately specify the position of the affected part K, and the affected part of the patient 37 can be accurately irradiated with a therapeutic beam such as a charged particle beam. In addition, the radiation therapy apparatus according to the present embodiment periodically observes the marker M embedded in the body of the patient 37, and estimates a change in the position of the affected part K with a change in the position of the marker M. In order to move the position of the treatment table 38 to the position of the affected part K, even if the patient 37 placed on the treatment table 38 moves, the irradiation of the treatment beam to the affected part K of the patient 37 is continuously and accurately performed. And accurate treatment can be continued.

Embodiment 2 Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of the radiation therapy apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 41 denotes a semiconductor detector or a radiation sensor, which is connected to the ADC 29. The semiconductor detector or the radiation sensor 41 converts the obtained X-ray image into an analog electric signal and outputs the analog electric signal to the ADC 29. The second imaging means 28 of the radiotherapy apparatus according to the second embodiment includes an X-ray tube 21, an X-ray tube controller 22, and a semiconductor detector or a radiation sensor 41. Note that, except for the X-ray tube controller 22, the second imaging means 28 is arranged on the beam axis 15 in the above-described order toward the direction approaching the ground surface. In FIG. 7, the same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted, and the parts different from FIG. 1 will be described.

Next, the operation of the radiotherapy apparatus according to Embodiment 2 will be described. In FIG. 7, first, the affected part K of the patient 37 is imaged by the X-CT 20. And X-CT20
A plurality of X-CT images obtained as a result of the imaging are stored in the image data file 36. Next, the computer 19 creates a center projection image based on the plurality of X-CT images. The center projection image includes three or more markers M1, M
Two or more markers are embedded in the body of the patient 37 so that 2 and M3 are displayed. When the marker is embedded in the affected part of the patient 37, the first imaging means 1
Is used to take a CT image of the affected area of the patient 37. This CT
The image is converted into a slice image to be actually positioned in order to confirm the position of the affected part of the patient 37 and the position of the marker embedded in the body of the patient 37. Then, based on this slice image, the computer 19 calculates the position of the affected part K of the patient 37 and the markers M1, M2 and
Calculation is performed to clarify the positional relationship with the position of M3.

Next, at the time of positioning, first, the patient 37 on the treatment table 38 is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray tube 21. X-ray tube 2
The X-ray irradiated from 1 is input to the semiconductor detector or the radiation sensor 41 via the patient 37. In the semiconductor detector or the radiation sensor 41, the obtained X
The X-ray image is converted into an analog electric signal and output. The analog signal output from the semiconductor detector or the radiation sensor 41 is input to the ADC 29, converted into a digital signal, and output. The digital signal output from the ADC 29 is output to the image display 31 as an X-TV image via the computer 19.

Then, the computer 19 calculates the positional relationship between the position of the affected part K of the patient 37 shown in the center projection image and the positions of the markers M1, M2, and M3 embedded in the body of the patient 37, and the X-TV image. Based on the positional relationship between the indicated center 0 of the beam axis 15 and the markers M1, M2, and M3 embedded in the body of the patient 37, the positional relationship between the position of the affected part K of the patient 37 and the center 0 of the beam axis is calculated. . Based on the positional relationship between the position of the affected part K of the patient 37 and the center 0 of the beam axis calculated by the computer 19, the computer 19
Is moved, and the irradiation unit 14 accurately irradiates the charged part beam to the affected part K of the patient 37 to perform treatment.

In FIG. 7, the same or corresponding parts as those in the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 have been simplified, and different parts from FIG. 5 have been mainly described. FIG. 8 shows a specific example of the radiotherapy apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a front view, a side view, and a top view of the radiation therapy apparatus according to the second embodiment. Further, the X-ray tube 21 may also be used as an irradiation device. FIG. 10 shows a radiation therapy apparatus that serves both as the X-ray tube 21 and the irradiation apparatus. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a side surface of the radiotherapy apparatus which also serves as the X-ray tube 21 and the irradiation apparatus. As described above, the radiation therapy apparatus according to the present embodiment accurately specifies the position of the affected area K of the patient 37 by embedding the marker M having a very small size in the patient 37 without any trouble such as laparotomy. This facilitates irradiation of the affected part of the patient 37 with a therapeutic beam such as a charged particle beam.

Embodiment 3 Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a radiation therapy apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 42 denotes a second X-CT, which is a computer 1
9 is connected. The X-CT image captured by the second X-CT 42 is output to the computer 19. The second imaging means 28 constituting the radiotherapy apparatus according to the third embodiment includes:
The second X-CT 42 is arranged on the beam axis 15. In FIG. 9, the same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted, and the parts different from FIG. 1 will be described.

Next, the operation of the radiotherapy apparatus according to Embodiment 3 will be described. In FIG. 9, in order to determine the irradiation position of the therapeutic beam emitted from the radiation therapy apparatus, first, an image is taken by the second X-CT 42. And the obtained X-CT
The image data is input to the image data file 36 via the computer 19. The data of the X-CT image output from the second X-CT 42 is a digital signal,
After that, the image is output to the image display 31 as an X-TV image.

In FIG. 9, a CT image of the affected part of the patient 37 is taken by using the X-CT 20, and the position of the affected part K and the patient 37 are taken.
The processing procedure for clarifying the positional relationship between the positions of the markers M1, M2, and M3 embedded in the body of FIG.
The operation is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, using the computer 19, the positional relationship between the position of the affected part K of the patient 37 shown in the center projection image and the positions of the markers M1, M2, and M3 embedded in the body of the patient 37, and X− Center 0 of beam axis 15 shown in TV image
And markers M1, M2 embedded in the body of patient 37, and
Based on the positional relationship with M3, the positional relationship between the position of the affected part K of the patient 37 and the center 0 of the beam axis is calculated, and based on this calculation result, the irradiation unit 14 converts the charged particle beam into the affected part K of the patient 37.
The procedure for accurately irradiating and treating is the same as the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the radiotherapy apparatus according to the present embodiment embeds the marker M having a very small size in the patient 37 without any trouble such as laparotomy.
It is easy to accurately specify the position of the affected part K, and the affected part of the patient 37 can be accurately irradiated with a therapeutic beam such as a charged particle beam.

[0059]

As described above, the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention comprises a table on which an object to be irradiated having a marker is placed, and an irradiation part of the object to be irradiated with a beam from the irradiation means. A first means for imaging the marker and outputting the imaging result; and an imaging result obtained by superimposing the beam irradiation position of the beam of the irradiation means for imaging the marker of the irradiation target and irradiating a fixed position within the imaging range. The second means to output as, based on the marker included in the imaging result output from the first means and the marker included in the imaging result output from the second means,
Since the stage and the movement control means for relatively moving the irradiation means so that the beam is irradiated from the irradiation means to the irradiation part of the irradiation object are provided, the position of the irradiation part of the irradiation object is accurately specified. This makes it easy to irradiate the beam to the irradiated portion of the irradiated object accurately.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, since the marker is embedded in the irradiation target, it is easy to accurately specify the position of the irradiation target of the irradiation target, and the beam can be accurately irradiated on the irradiation target. Irradiation can be performed on the irradiated portion.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, since the marker is attached to the irradiation target, it is easy to accurately specify the position of the irradiation target portion of the irradiation target, and the beam is accurately irradiated on the irradiation target. Irradiation can be performed on the irradiated portion.

In the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, since the shape of the marker has directionality, it is easy to recognize a change in the position of the marker.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, since the beam output from the irradiation means is a charged particle beam, an X-ray or an electron beam, it can be appropriately selected according to the situation of the irradiation object.

In the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, the irradiation means includes an irradiation apparatus for outputting a beam, a range shifter provided in the irradiation apparatus for changing the energy of the beam, and a beam output from the irradiation apparatus. A dosimeter for measuring the dose of the beam, and a collimator for shaping the beam incident through the dosimeter, the second means comprising: an X-ray tube for outputting X-rays; and an X-ray tube connected to the X-ray tube. An X-ray tube controller for controlling a voltage applied to the X-ray tube, and an image in which X-rays output from the X-ray tube are incident and an X-ray image obtained based on the incident X-rays is converted into an optical image and output. Having an intensity fire and a television camera that receives the optical image output from the image intensity fire and converts the optical image into an electric signal,
The irradiating means irradiates the irradiated object with the beam through the dosimeter and the collimator, and when the X-ray is irradiated from the X-ray tube, stops the irradiation of the beam output from the irradiating means, and the dosimeter and the collimator X-ray tube is inserted between the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube irradiates the X-ray to the irradiated object through the collimator, so that it is easy to accurately specify the position of the irradiated portion of the irradiated object,
It is possible to accurately irradiate the irradiated portion of the irradiation target with the beam.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, the second means has a radiation sensor instead of the image intensity fire and the television camera, and the radiation sensor is output from the X-ray tube. X-rays are incident, and an X-ray image obtained based on the incident X-rays is converted into an electric signal. Therefore, it is easy to accurately specify the position of the irradiated portion of the irradiated object, and the beam is accurately detected. Irradiation can be performed on the irradiated portion of the irradiated object.

Further, in the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention, the second means periodically captures an image of the marker of the irradiation object,
The beam irradiation position of the irradiation unit that irradiates the fixed position within the imaging range is superimposed on the beam irradiation position, and is periodically output as an imaging result. The movement control unit includes a marker included in the imaging result output from the first unit. For moving the table and the irradiating means relative to each other so that the irradiating unit is irradiated with the beam from the irradiating means, based on the marker included in the imaging result periodically output from the second means. According to the change in the position of the marker, the change in the position of the irradiated portion can be easily estimated, and accurate beam irradiation can be continuously performed.

Further, the beam irradiation apparatus according to the present invention is a first means for imaging a table on which an object to be irradiated having a marker is mounted, an irradiated portion of the object to be irradiated and the marker, and outputting an imaged result. A second means for capturing an image of a marker on an irradiation target, superimposing an X-ray irradiation position of an X-ray of the second means for irradiating a fixed position within the imaging range, and outputting as an imaging result; A base and a base so that X-rays are emitted from the second unit to the irradiated part of the irradiation target based on the marker included in the imaging result output from and the marker included in the imaging result output from the second unit. The movement control means for relatively moving the second means realizes simplification of the configuration of the radiotherapy apparatus due to the multi-function of the second means, and the position of the irradiated part of the irradiation object It is easy to identify exactly,
It is possible to accurately irradiate the irradiated portion of the irradiation target with the beam.

Further, since the radiation therapy apparatus according to the present invention uses the beam irradiation apparatus with the object to be irradiated as the patient and the irradiated part as the affected part of the patient, it is easy to accurately specify the position of the affected part of the patient. Thus, the affected part of the patient can be accurately irradiated with the beam.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a radiotherapy apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a shape of a marker M used in the radiation therapy apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a change in an irradiation direction of an X-ray or a therapeutic beam accompanying rotation of an irradiation unit 14 and a second imaging unit 28 included in the radiation therapy apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view, a side view, and a top view of a specific example of the radiation therapy apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of an operation of the radiotherapy apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a state of movement of an affected part K with movement of a marker M of a patient 37 in the radiotherapy apparatus of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a radiotherapy apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view, a side view, and a top view of a specific example of the radiation therapy apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a radiation therapy apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a side surface of the radiation therapy apparatus which also serves as the X-ray tube of the second X-CT 42 and the irradiation apparatus 14.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional radiotherapy apparatus.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of an operation of the conventional radiotherapy apparatus.

[Description of Signs] 10 vertical irradiation device, 11 range shifter, 12 dosimeter, 13 collimator, 14 irradiation means, 15 beam axis, 16 communication device, 17 data bus, 18 second communication device, 19 computer, 20 X-ray computer Tomography (X-CT), 21 X-ray tube, 22 X-ray tube controller, 2
3 Image Intensity Fire (II), 24
Optical system, 25 auto iris, 26 television camera (TV camera), 27 camera control
Unit (CCU), 28 second imaging means, 29 analog-to-digital converter (ADC), 30 reference image display, 31 image display, 32 character display, 33 keyboard, 34 operation panel, 35 tablet, 36 image data file, 3
7 patients, 38 couch, M *, N * marker, 39
Tear-shaped marker, 40 bar-shaped marker, 41 semiconductor detector or radiation sensor, 42 second X-CT.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A base on which an irradiation target having a marker is mounted, an irradiation target portion of the irradiation target irradiated with a beam from irradiation means and the marker, and a first image pickup result output Means, an image of a marker of the irradiation object, a second means for superimposing a beam irradiation position of the beam of the irradiation means to be irradiated on a fixed position within an imaging range, and outputting the result as an imaging result; Based on the marker included in the imaging result output from the means and the marker included in the imaging result output from the second means, a beam is emitted from the irradiating means to the illuminated portion of the illuminated object. And a movement control means for relatively moving the table and the irradiation means. 2. The beam irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the marker is embedded in the irradiation object. 3. The beam irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the marker is attached to an irradiation target. 4. The beam irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the marker has a direction. 5. The beam irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the beam output from the irradiation means is a charged particle beam, an X-ray, or an electron beam. 6. An irradiating means, comprising: an irradiating device for outputting a beam; a range shifter provided in the irradiating device for changing the energy of the beam; and the beam output from the irradiating device being incident thereon; And a collimator for shaping the beam incident through the dosimeter. The second means is connected to the X-ray tube for outputting X-rays and connected to the X-ray tube. An X-ray tube controller for controlling a voltage applied to the X-ray tube, the X-ray output from the X-ray tube being incident thereon, and an X-ray image obtained based on the incident X-rays being converted into an optical image. An image intensity that converts the optical image into an electric signal, and a television camera that receives the optical image output from the image intensity fire and converts the optical image into an electric signal. The irradiating means irradiates the object with the beam via the dosimeter and the collimator. When the X-ray is emitted from the X-ray tube, the beam output from the irradiating means Is stopped, the X-ray tube is inserted between the dosimeter and the collimator, and the X-ray tube irradiates the X-ray to the object through the collimator. The beam irradiation device according to claim 1. 7. The second means has a radiation sensor in place of the image intensity and the television camera, and the radiation sensor receives X-rays output from an X-ray tube, and receives the radiation. The beam irradiation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an X-ray image obtained based on the obtained X-ray is converted into an electric signal. 8. A second means for periodically taking an image of a marker of an object to be illuminated, superimposing a beam irradiation position of a beam of the irradiating means for irradiating a fixed position within the imaging range, and obtaining the image as a result of the image pickup. The movement control means, based on the marker included in the imaging result output from the first means and the marker included in the imaging result periodically output from the second means, The beam irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the table and the irradiation unit are relatively moved so that a beam is irradiated from the irradiation unit to an irradiated portion of a body. 9. A table on which an irradiation target having a marker is mounted, first means for imaging an irradiation target portion of the irradiation target and the marker, and outputting an imaging result, and a marker for the irradiation target. A second means for taking an image of the subject and superimposing an X-ray irradiation position of the X-ray of the second means irradiated to a fixed position within the imaging range, and outputting the result as an imaging result; and an image outputted from the first means. On the basis of the marker included in the result and the marker included in the imaging result output from the second means, the platform is configured to irradiate the irradiated portion of the object with X-rays from the second means. And a movement control means for relatively moving the second means. 10. A radiotherapy apparatus using a beam irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation target is a patient, and the irradiation target is an affected part of the patient.