The rotating biplanar linac-magnetic resonance imaging system.

We have successfully built linac-magnetic resonance imaging (MR) systems based on a linac waveguide placed between open MR planes (perpendicular) or through the central opening of one of the planes (parallel) to improve dosimetric properties. It rotates on a gantry to irradiate at any angle. Irradiation during MR imaging and automatic 2-dimensional MR image-based target tracking and automatic beam steering to the moving target have been demonstrated with our systems. The functioning whole-body system (0.6-T MR and 6-MV linac) has been installed in an existing clinical vault without removing the walls or the ceiling and without the need of a helium exhaust vent.