Design of a Compact Cyclotron for Proton Therapy

Superconducting cyclotrons are becoming the mainstay of modern proton-based radiotherapy, with several companies now offering treatment solutions based on the use of 230-250 MeV-output cyclotrons which are suitable for deep-seated tumours in adult treatments. However, delivery of low-energy protons from 30 to 70 MeV using these large cyclotrons is technically problematic and a lower-energy design - suitable for example for eye therapy and other shallow treatments - is needed; Clatterbridge Cancer Centre developed the world's first hospital proton therapy service of any kind, but is now looking to replace its machine with a more modern, sophisticated variant with the assistance of Antaya Science and Technology; Antaya is an accelerator development company with world-leading experience in designing medical cyclotrons.
This PhD project will entail using Antaya's experience and technology platform, and apply it to Clatterbridge's clinical requirements to develop a cyclotron design and associated beam delivery system, intended to be a replacement for the present treatment system at Clatterbridge. The successful candidate will split their studies between the Cockcroft Institute (Cheshire, UK, working on beam delivery design), the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (Wirral, UK, performing measurements and developing a clinical specification), and the development facility of Antaya Science and Technology (New Hampshire, USA, working on cyclotron design).