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Radiotherapy system software designed to operate proton beam radiotherapy systems and control/monitor a limited number of the radiotherapy system functions. This software usually interacts with the radiation unit (e.g., a cyclotron, synchrotron), control units, monitors, and patient alignment devices; it may also perform a variety of algorithms to facilitate the operation and analysis of the data and images obtained during the procedure. Proton beam radiotherapy system software is intended to work only with one or a few models of proton beam radiotherapy systems and related devices, usually supplied by the same manufacturer. This also facilitates the processing and/or sending data from the proton beam radiotherapy system to and from picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) and/or other hospital information systems. The software is not usually available separate from the radiotherapy system but may be updated (i.e., through the release of modified versions) during the life of the equipment. Dedicated proton beam radiotherapy system software intended for systems that deliver low energy protons intended to treat superficial disorders and software for high-energy neutron systems intended to treat deep tumors in the chest and abdomen is available; software intended for specific tumor treatment (e.g., spinal and skull based tumors) is also available.
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