The first Cyclotron-based multi-ion project: Status, Perspectives and Challenges

Multi-ion radiotherapy aims at exploiting the radiobiological properties of lighter and heavier ions, to provide precision cancer treatment. The world’s first multi-ion cyclotron for radiotherapy is being installed in Caen (France), and the first treatments are foreseen in 2027.

This innovative radiotherapy system is based on a superconducting isochronous cyclotron, which can accelerate various ion species to up to 400MeV/u. In a first iteration, this compact system will be equipped with dedicated carbon and helium ECR sources for fast ion switching, while the proton beam will be obtained from H2+ beam with a specific stripping extraction. In the future, the design will be able to accommodate higher beam intensity and energy compared to the current clinical standards, allowing investigation of new clinical and research delivery techniques such as FLASH, ARC therapy, particle imaging, LET painting, as well as the possibility to accelerate other particles. The first centre in Caen will have two treatment rooms equipped with horizontal fixed beamlines, pencil beam scanning nozzle technology, an innovative patient couch and an upright patient positioning solution.

The project has significantly advanced in 2024, with the successful first phase of the cyclotron and beamline rigging and the finalisation of detailed design studies. This year will see the second part of the cyclotron and treatment room rigging, followed by the commissioning of the 3 particle beams.

This new C400 IONS radiotherapy system is designed and produced by Normandy Hadrontherapy, and experts from IBA (Ion Beam Applications) are deeply involved in all aspects of its conception. In this presentation, we will focus on the on-going efforts and challenges to prepare the practical testing of several crucial components of the cyclotron and we will present the latest specifications in terms of isocentre beam performances and patient positioning. We will also cover the clinical and research perspectives brought by this new generation of compact multi-ion systems.

Authors

V. Letellier¹, P. Velten¹, L. Maunory ¹, O. Cosson ¹, J. Mandrillon², M. De Leenheer¹, G. Saive ¹

¹ NHA – Normandy Hadrontherapy – 1 rue Claude Bloch, 14000 Caen - France

² IBA – Ion Beam Applications - 3 chemin du Cyclotron, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve- Belgium

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