1.Therapy Preparations

Based on the clinical path, we create a schedule from the start to the end of the particle beam radiation therapy. Preparations for the radiation therapy take approximately one week.

Tests

We perform the CT, MRI, endoscopy, and other tests. These tests are necessary to accurately identify the irradiation range for the tumor as we plan the treatment. They also provide references for comparison when we evaluate the effect of the radiation therapy. The type of tests are determined by the illness to be treated.

Making Immobilization Device

To keep the patient's body still during particle beam radiation therapy, we make an immobilization device. This allows the patient to lie in the same posture at every treatment session, thereby increasing the accuracy of the radiation therapy. Positioning marks are made on the device, so the necessity of marking on the patient's body is minimized. This device is used repeatedly throughout the course of the radiation therapy.

1. To allow the patient to lie comfortably during the daily radiation therapy session (approximately 30 minutes), we determine the pillow height and arm position.
2. We warm a thermoplastic resin sheet, which feels like rubber, to a lukewarm temperature to soften it.
3. We cover the part of the patient's body to be treated with the warmed resin sheet and let it solidify (approximately 5 minutes). The patient might feel the heat but it does not cause a burn. As the sheet cools, it shrinks and sticks to the body, making the patient feel a slightly taut sensation.
   

Notes:

• If the patient is tense, his/her body might move. Please relax as much as possible.
• The posture that the patient takes at this time becomes his/her posture for the entire course of the radiation therapy. The patient should remember this posture and take the same posture at every session.
• If the patient feels pain or numbness, we will adjust the device. He/she should not hesitate to let us know if there is discomfort.
• Patients should please wear the same type of clothing to all treatment sessions that they wore at the CT or initial positioning session.
• Patients should breathe naturally during the session.

Immobilization Device Material (Before Heating)		Making Immobilization Device

Examples of Immobilization Device

Head and Neck		Chest
Abdomen		Pelvis