Method and apparatus for performing irradiation time optimization for intensity modulated proton therapy

Abstract

A computer implemented method of determining a resultant treatment plan for a proton radiation therapy system based on given dose volume constraints is provided, wherein the resultant treatment plan is optimized for treatment time . The method comprises accessing the dose volume constraints and range information, wherein the range information indicates acceptable deviations from the dose volume constraints. Based on the proton radiation therapy system, the method further comprises accessing machine configuration information comprising a plurality of machine parameters that define a maximum resolution achievable in irradiating a patient. Further, the method comprises iteratively adjusting the plurality of machine parameters to values which decrease the maximum resolution and simulating a plurality of candidate treatment plans to generate a plurality of treatment plan results, wherein each treatment plan result comprises: a respective treatment time and a respective plan quality. Finally, the method comprises selecting a resultant treatment plan with the shortest treatment time.

Description

technical field [0001] The present specification relates generally to the field of radiation therapy, and more particularly to optimizing the performance of a therapy system when performing radiation therapy treatment planning while maintaining acceptable planning quality. Background technique [0002] Radiation therapy treatment planning typically employs medical imaging, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the like. Typically, a series of two-dimensional patient images, each image representing a two-dimensional cross-sectional "slice" of the patient's anatomy, is used to reconstruct a volume of interest (VOI) or a three-dimensional representation of a structure of interest from the patient's anatomy. [0003] A VOI typically includes one or more organs of interest, which typically include a planning target volume (PTV), such as a malignant growth or an organ that includes malignant tissue targeted by radiation therapy; relatively...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

More specifically, conventional treatment planning systems for proton therapy are not optimized for time by taking into account certain machine-specific criteria (related to proton therapy delivery system characteristics) that have a significant impact on irradiation time

In other words, conventional treatment planning systems cannot be optimized for the machine-specific constraints of the delivery system, which can lead to prolonged exposure times and increased potential for interlocking

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