An Automated Range Shifter for Proton Radiotherapy

Abstract

This article considers an automated range shifter of variable thickness intended to adjust the proton beam energy in the 3D conformal proton radiotherapy of oncological diseases of the head and the neck. The range shifter was developed at the medico-technical complex of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russia). The results of the experimental tests of the device show that it successfully fulfills its intended purpose. The developed range shifter is intended to be used as one of the main components of a new system for dynamic irradiation of deep-seated targets of complex shape.