A radiosurgery and radiotherapy system to provide diagnostic imaging and
target localization via a patient 3-D mapping means such as a CT scanner
or MRI, patient positioning via a four degree of freedom of motion table,
and a stereotactic Cobalt 60 therapy unit incorporating multiple sources
to therapeutically irradiate a target is provided. Methods of radiosurgery
and radiotherapy utilizing the system are also provided. A combination of
radiation source configuration, 360 degree rotational characteristics of
the therapy unit, and table movement will allow any size and shape of
target to be irradiated to therapeutic levels while decreasing radiation
exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. A radiation beam catcher which
captures greater than 80% and preferably greater than 90 percent of the
radiation from the radiation sources is also provided.