Dr Suzie Sheehy

Abstract:

The annual global incidence of cancer is projected to rise in 2035 to 25 million cases (13 million deaths), with 70% occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where there is a severe shortfall in the availability of radiotherapy [1] – an essential component of overall curative and palliative cancer care. A 2015 report by the Global Task Force on Radiotherapy for Cancer Control estimated that by 2035 at least 5000 additional megavolt treatment machines would be needed to meet LMIC demands, together with about 30 000 radiation oncologists, 22 000 medical physicists and 80 000 radiation therapy technologists [2]. Among the main reasons for the shortfall identified in the workshop and thoroughly discussed in the Clinical Oncology special issue on radiotherapy in LMICs [3] are: (i) the initial cost of linear accelerators, (ii) the cost of service on the machines and (iii) a shortage of trained personnel needed to deliver safe, effective and high-quality treatment. A number of authors who contributed to the Clinical Oncology special issue are participating in the CERN, International Cancer Expert Corps (ICEC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) collaborative effort described in this editorial (Aggarwal, Coleman, Court, Grover, Palta, Van Dyk and Zubizarreta).

Abstract:

The Simulator of Particle Orbit Dynamics (S-POD) is a linear Paul trap at Hiroshima University, Japan, used to study beam physics. S-POD has so far been used to study resonances in high intensity beams, predominantly using a simple alternating gradient lattice configuration. Recently a similar apparatus, the Intense Beam Experiment (IBEX), has been constructed at the Rutherford Appleton Lab in the UK. To use either of these experiments to study beam dynamics in more complex lattice configurations in the future, further diagnostic techniques must be developed for Paul traps. Here we describe a new method to measure the beta function and emittance in a Paul trap.

Abstract:

The Intense Beam Experiment (IBEX) is a linear Paul trap designed to replicate the dynamics of intense particle beams in accelerators. Similar to the S-POD apparatus at Hiroshima University, IBEX is a small scale experiment which has been constructed and recently commissioned at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the UK. The aim of the experiment is to support theoretical studies of next-generation high intensity proton and ion accelerators, complementing existing computer simulation approaches. Here we report on the status of commissioning and first results obtained.

Abstract:

These notes provide an overview of Fixed-Field Alternating-Gradient (FFAG) accelerators for medical applications. We begin with a review of the basic principles of this type of accelerator, including the scaling and non-scaling types, highlighting beam dynamics issues that are of relevance to hadron accelerators. The potential of FFAG accelerators in the field of hadron therapy is discussed in detail, including an overview of existing medical FFAG designs. The options for FFAG treatment gantries are also considered.

Abstract:

In this paper we describe the methods and tools used to characterize a 150 MeV proton scaling Fixed Field Alternating Gradient (FFAG) accelerator at Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute. Many of the techniques used are unique to this class of machine and are thus of relevance to any future FFAG accelerator. For the first time we detail systematic studies under- taken to improve the beam quality of the FFAG. The control of beam quality in this manner is crucial to demonstrating high power operation of FFAG accelerators in future.