Advanced Oncotherapy Plc (LON:AVO), the developer of next-generation proton therapy systems for cancer treatment, announced today that it remains on schedule with the development of the first LIGHT system, with successful integration of three key elements of the device. The first Side Coupled Drift Tube Linac (“SCDTL”) accelerating module has been integrated with the Radiofrequency Quadrupole (“RFQ”) and proton source, with functionality of the combination and further proton acceleration confirmed through the measurement of the proton beam through all integrated units.
On 6 March 2017, the Company announced the acceleration of a proton beam through the integrated proton source and RFQ, at the maximum design-anticipated energy of 5 MeV.
The addition of the first SCDTL is significant as:
1. It is the first module in the next group of accelerating structures i.e. the SCDTLs. This successful integration confirms the SCDTL design concept and will facilitate the addition of subsequent SCDTL modules.
2. The proton beam was recorded at 7.5MeV, as expected. This achievement further validates the design, manufacturing and integration of the LIGHT system.
3. As with the RFQ, acceleration of the proton beam at relatively low energies is more challenging than at higher ones; this result is, therefore, an important milestone in LIGHT’s development.
When fully integrated with the proton source and RFQ, it is anticipated that four SCDTLs will be capable of producing a proton beam of 37.5MeV.
Commenting, Nicolas Serandour, CEO of Advanced Oncotherapy Plc, said: “All of our tests to generate and accelerate a proton beam have been successful and this represents significant progress in validating the capabilities of the first in the next group of accelerating components. This is another notable achievement for the team in Geneva and paves the way for the integration and validation of subsequent SCDTL modules.
“We can confirm that, following these successful trials, the Company remains on track to build a proton therapy system capable of treating superficial tumours by the end of Q3 2018.”
