Case Study: University of Alberta achieves real-time MRI-guided, tumor-tracked radiation therapy with COMSOL Multiphysics

University of Alberta - Customer Case Study

The University of Alberta, led by Professor Gino Fallone, tackled the challenge of combining an MRI scanner with a linear particle accelerator (Linac) to create real‑time, MRI‑guided radiation therapy that can track moving tumors. Key technical hurdles included MRI RF signals being drowned out by Linac emissions, MRI magnetic fields deflecting electron beams, and the need to design compact, shielded hardware and rooms. The team used Comsol’s COMSOL Multiphysics software to drive the simulation work starting in 2006.

Using Comsol’s COMSOL Multiphysics, the team simulated magnetostatic and electromagnetic shielding, active counter‑fields, waveguide designs, and room linings to produce concrete engineering changes: the Linac shield was redesigned to a 30 cm radius and 6 cm thickness—more than three times lighter and reducing MRI field inhomogeneities by over threefold—active shielding strategies were evaluated, and the waveguide for a 10 MeV beam was shortened from previously conceived lengths (~150 cm or an estimated 70 cm) down to 30 cm, enabling a much smaller treatment room. These simulation‑driven changes advanced the Linac‑MR prototype toward clinical trials, delivering measurable reductions in shield mass, field distortion, and device footprint.

University of Alberta

Stephen Steciw

Associate Professor