Who manufactures proton therapy?

As of 2020, five manufacturers make proton therapy systems: Mevion Medical Systems, Ion Beam Applications, Hitachi, ProTom International and Varian Medical Systems.

How are protons produced for proton therapy?

The first step in generating a proton beam is to obtain a source of protons which can then be accelerated to energies sufficient for treatment. This can be done using hydrogen as the starting product and separating the hydrogen’s electron from its proton by using an electrical field.

How much does proton accelerator cost?

The newest proton accelerators, he said, are now of a similar size and nature to a conventional X-ray machine, such that a hospital can add a single-room proton center to their existing treatment facility. The cost? A little less than $30 million.

How much does a radiation oncology machine cost?

X-ray radiation therapy machines cost $3 million each; a big clinic would have several. But patients are used to getting what they want, especially in cancer care, where any chance at living longer with fewer side effects is worth trying, especially if someone else is picking up the tab.

How big is a proton therapy machine?

Proton therapy systems are huge in size, some the length of a football field and 3 stories tall. But most of the machinery is built behind walls and not visible to the patient entering the treatment room.

Is proton therapy more expensive?

Some experts believe that proton therapy is safer than traditional radiation, but there is limited research comparing the two treatments. Plus, proton therapy is more expensive than traditional radiation, and not all insurance companies cover the cost of the treatment, given the limited evidence of its benefits.

Is proton therapy cost effective?

Proton beam therapy has only an approximate 54% probability of cost effectiveness at 15 years compared with IMRT at a willingness to pay of $50,000/QALY (Fig 3). The probability of cost effectiveness is only 22% for a trial ending at 5 years, but increases to 36% at 10 years and then finally to 54% at 15 years.

Which is the best cyclotron for proton beam research?

Cyclone ® 70 is a variable energy cyclotron that accelerates protons from 30 to 70 MeV with 750µA current. The beam line extension is the tool of choice for solid target work and for research with proton beam on the Cyclone ® KIUBE. Acquiring a cyclotron is only the first step in a complex project.

Which is the best cyclotron for radiopharmaceuticals?

High capacity cyclotron. IBA is the world leader for the supply of PET & SPECT cyclotrons from 18 Mev to 70 MeV for radiopharmaceuticals production for more than 35 years. Cyclone® KIUBE is established as the cyclotron of choice offering the highest production capacity ever reached with a PET cyclotron and a maximized profitability.

Which is the best variable energy cyclotron?

Cyclone® KIUBE is established as the cyclotron of choice offering the highest production capacity ever reached with a PET cyclotron and a maximized profitability. Cyclone ® IKON is a variable-energy cyclotron that accelerates protons from 13 to 30 MeV.

Which is the first step in a cyclotron project?

Acquiring a cyclotron is only the first step in a complex project. Multiple processes and highly sophisticated equipment must be integrated into a cost effective and performant solution.