A system and method for accurately locating and tracking the position of a
target, such as a tumor or the like, within a body. In one embodiment,
the system is a target locating and monitoring system usable with a
radiation delivery source that delivers selected doses of radiation to a
target in a body. The system includes one or more excitable markers
positionable in or near the target, an external excitation source that
remotely excites the markers to produce an identifiable signal, and a
plurality of sensors spaced apart in a known geometry relative to each
other. A computer is coupled to the sensors and configured to use the
marker measurements to identify a target isocenter within the target. The
computer compares the position of the target isocenter with the location
of the machine isocenter. The computer also controls movement of the
patient and a patient support device so the target isocenter is
coincident with the machine isocenter before and during radiation
therapy.