System and method for multiple particle therapy

A multiple particle beam therapy system for treating a region of a patient, the region being defined by a target isocenter, comprising:

• a proton beam system which produces a beam of protons having a selected energy level wherein said beam of protons emanates out of a nozzle in the direction of a target isocenter within said patient;
• a neutron source which can be interposed between said nozzle and said patient and position in the path of said proton beam in a first position wherein said neutron source produces a plurality of neutrons in response to said proton beam impinging upon said neutron source so that a particle beam comprised of both protons and neutrons that travel in the direction of said target isocenter so that both said protons and said neutrons are delivered to the target isocenter within the body of the patient.

A method of radiation therapy comprising the step of directing energy comprised of at least two types of sub-atomic particles towards a common target within a patient, wherein the step of directing energy comprises producing a mixed beam comprised of proton and neutron particles so that said two types of particles are delivered to the common target within the patient simultaneously.

A method of treating cells in the proximity of a target isocenter located within a patient's body comprising the steps of:

• producing a beam of protons having a pre-selected energy level;
• and
• directing said beam of protons at a neutron source so that a multiple particle beam, comprised of protons and neutrons, is generated wherein said multiple particle beam propagates toward said target isocenter so that said target isocenter is irradiated by both said protons and neutrons comprising said multiple particle beam.