Combined X-Y scanning magnet for conformal proton radiation therapy.

Light-ion beams have several features that make them very effective in radiation therapy applications. These include favorable depth dose distribution, finite penetration range, and high radiobiological efficiency. Moreover, magnetic scanning methods allow one to spread an ion beam to an exact image of a complex tumor shape. The ion scanning system usually consists of two magnets, each scanning horizontal and vertical directions independently. This paper discusses the design for a novel combined X-Y beam scanning magnet which is under development for the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute.