Status and development of the TOP-IMPLART Project

TL;DR

The TOP-IMPLART project develops a 150 MeV proton linear accelerator with advanced control systems to improve proton therapy for various tumors, achieving precise dose delivery and expanding treatment options.

Contribution

This paper details the design, implementation, and progress of a novel proton accelerator system tailored for medical therapy, advancing current proton therapy technology.

Findings

Achieved 150 MeV proton energy suitable for deep tumor treatment.

Implemented pulse-to-pulse intensity variation for dose control.

Enhanced dose uniformity to reduce re-paintings.

Abstract

The TOP-IMPLART project consists of the design and implementation of a linear proton accelerator, its control and monitoring systems for the treatment of superficial and semi-deep tumors. The energy of 150 MeV (corresponding to a penetration in tissue of about 15 cm) is a milestone in design being useful for the proton therapy treatment of almost 50% of tumors based on their position and depth (including ocular melanoma, head-neck tumors, pediatric tumors, and more superficial tumors). The capability to vary the intensity on a pulse-to-pulse basis combined with an electronic feedback system allows to get the required dose uniformity (2.5%) reducing the number of re-paintings. In this paper the state of the art and the objectives of the TOP-IMPLART project are described within the framework of the progress of Protontherapy.