Dual-mode precise regulation and control method and device of proton treatment system

Abstract

The invention discloses a dual-mode precise regulation and control method and device for a proton treatment system, and relates to the technical field of proton treatment, and the device comprises a superconducting cyclotron, a beam transmission module, a treatment head module which comprises a first ionization chamber, a second ionization chamber, a range regulator, a multi-leaf grating and scanning iron, a treatment chair and a control module, the control module is used for receiving and analyzing a treatment plan and controlling the working states of the superconducting cyclotron, the beam transmission module, the treatment head module and the treatment chair in different working modes according to the treatment plan; the working mode comprises a first working mode and a second working mode, and the radiation dose of a proton beam required by the second working mode is far greater than the radiation dose of the proton beam required by the first working mode. The dual-mode precise regulation and control device can support a conventional working mode and also can support a flash therapy working mode, and different working modes can be switched to realize a treatment plan.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of proton therapy, and particularly to a dual-mode precise regulation method and device for a proton therapy system. Background Art

[0002] In proton therapy, it is divided into conventional proton therapy and flash therapy technology. In the related art, although efficient proton therapy can be achieved, the proton therapy system combined with flash therapy technology is not yet widespread, and it is also difficult to quickly and efficiently switch different treatment modes during the treatment process of the proton therapy system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, in view of the above technical problems, it is necessary to provide a dual-mode precise regulation method and device for a proton therapy system that can support the switching of different treatment modes.

[0004] A dual-mode precise regulation device for a proton therapy system includes: A superconducting cyclotron for generating a stable proton beam; A beam transmission module for transmitting the proton beam and adjusting the energy of the proton beam; A treatment head module including a first ionization chamber, a second ionization chamber, a range regulator, a multi-leaf collimator, and a scanning magnet. Among them, the first ionization chamber and the second ionization chamber are used to monitor the proton beam in different working modes; the range regulator is used to adjust the energy of the proton beam; the multi-leaf collimator is used to control the shape of the proton beam; the scanning magnet is used for pencil beam scanning; A treatment chair for adjusting the irradiation area where the patient receives the proton beam; A control module for receiving and parsing a treatment plan, and controlling the working states of the superconducting cyclotron, the beam transmission module, the treatment head module, and the treatment chair in different working modes according to the treatment plan; the working modes include a first working mode and a second working mode, and the radiation dose of the proton beam required by the second working mode is much greater than the radiation dose of the proton beam required by the first working mode.

[0005] A dual-mode precise regulation method for a proton therapy system, which applies the dual-mode precise regulation device for a proton therapy system described in any one of the above solutions, and the method includes: Performing self-check on the dual-mode precise regulation device, and when the self-check is normal, obtaining and parsing a treatment plan to determine a target working mode; Control the working state of the dual-mode precise regulation device in the target working mode to execute the treatment plan; wherein, the target working mode is the first working mode or the second working mode, and the radiation dose of the proton beam required for the second working mode is much greater than the radiation dose of the proton beam required for the first working mode.

[0006] In the dual-mode precise regulation method and device of the above proton therapy system, the treatment head module in the dual-mode precise regulation device of the proton therapy system integrates the components required in different working modes, so that the dual-mode precise regulation device can support both the conventional working mode and the flash therapy working mode. The control module in the dual-mode precise regulation device can control the components in the dual-mode precise regulation device to work in different working modes according to the treatment plan, and at the same time regulate the working states of these components in different working modes, so that the dual-mode precise regulation device can switch between different working modes to implement the treatment plan. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a dual-mode precise regulation device of a proton therapy system in an embodiment; Figure 2 It is a schematic basic structure diagram of a multi-leaf collimator in an embodiment; Figure 3 It is a schematic working diagram of a multi-leaf collimator in an embodiment; Figure 4 It is a schematic working diagram of a treatment couch in an embodiment; Figure 5 It is a schematic main structure diagram of a treatment head module in the first working mode in an embodiment; Figure 6 It is a schematic main structure diagram of a treatment head module in the second working mode in an embodiment; Figure 7 It is a schematic flow diagram of a dual-mode precise regulation method of a proton therapy system in an embodiment. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0008] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0009] The proton therapy system based on a superconducting cyclotron is applied to tumor treatment and can perform high-precision and efficient radiotherapy through proton beams. As an advanced radiotherapy method, proton therapy uses proton beams instead of traditional X-ray beams for treatment, providing a more precise radiation dose distribution. Proton beams have strong penetration power, releasing high energy when reaching the tumor site, while causing less damage when passing through normal tissues. Therefore, proton therapy is particularly suitable for deep tumors or tumors near important organs, reducing side effects and improving the treatment effect.

[0010] Proton therapy is divided into conventional therapy and flash therapy techniques. Conventional therapy relies on relatively traditional dose distribution methods and may not fully optimize treatment efficiency. Based on this, the flash therapy technique has emerged. Through high-dose radiation within a short period, the flash therapy technique can instantaneously cause strong killing effects on tumors while avoiding harm to normal tissues. Compared with conventional therapy, the flash therapy technique can significantly shorten the treatment time, reduce the dose required for treatment, and enhance the treatment effect.

[0011] Based on this, a dual-mode precise regulation device for a proton therapy system integrating conventional therapy and flash therapy techniques is developed, which can meet the treatment requirements of different treatment plans by supporting the rapid switching between the flash therapy mode and the conventional mode.

[0012] The implementation details of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are described in detail below.

[0013] As Figure 1 shown, Figure 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of the dual-mode precise regulation device of the proton therapy system. Among them, the dual-mode precise regulation device at least includes a superconducting cyclotron, a beam transmission module, a treatment head module, a treatment chair, and a control module. The following combines Figure 1 , and details each component of the dual-mode precise regulation device.

[0014] A superconducting cyclotron is an efficient particle accelerator that can generate stable proton beams. The basic working principle of a superconducting cyclotron is to use electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles (such as protons) along a spiral orbit, thus forming a proton beam.

[0015] In practical applications, a superconducting cyclotron usually consists of an annular acceleration cavity and multiple superconducting magnets. The superconducting magnets can generate a strong magnetic field to maintain the orbit of protons in the acceleration cavity. Among them, the first step of a superconducting cyclotron is to generate protons. Usually, hydrogen gas is used as the proton source, and protons are generated by ionizing hydrogen atoms. The generated protons are accelerated and injected into the acceleration cavity of the superconducting cyclotron. The acceleration cavity of the superconducting cyclotron is an annular structure, and there are multiple electrodes in the acceleration cavity that can accelerate protons through an alternating electric field. The protons move along a spiral orbit in the acceleration cavity and gain energy under the action of the electric field.

[0016] The superconducting magnets in a superconducting cyclotron can generate a strong magnetic field. The use of superconducting magnets enables the accelerator to generate a high-intensity magnetic field at a lower power consumption. Under the action of the magnetic field, the protons move along a spiral orbit. Each cycle of the protons in the acceleration cavity will keep them on the orbit under the action of the magnetic field and gain energy at the same time. As the number of cycles of the protons in the acceleration cavity increases, the protons gradually gain higher energy. When the protons reach the required energy, a stable proton beam is formed.

[0017] After the proton beam is generated from the superconducting cyclotron, it needs to be transmitted to the treatment head module through the beam transport module. The transmission path usually includes a series of magnets, vacuum pipes, and monitoring devices. The design goal of the beam transport system is to minimize the loss of the proton beam during transmission and ensure efficient transmission.

[0018] During the process of the beam transport module transmitting the proton beam, the proton beam can also be de-energized, aiming to ensure that the energy of the proton beam is suitable for specific treatment needs. The main purpose of the de-energizing process is to adjust the energy of the proton beam. The energy of the proton beam represents the number of protons passing through a certain cross-section per unit time. Thus, the beam transport module can precisely control the penetration depth of the proton beam to ensure that the proton beam has an appropriate energy when it reaches the target position.

[0019] The treatment head module consists of multiple components, including a first ionization chamber, a second ionization chamber, a range regulator, a multi-leaf collimator, and a scanning head. Through the configuration and operation of these components, precise control of the proton beam is ensured during the treatment process.

[0020] Both the first ionization chamber and the second ionization chamber are used to monitor the proton beam in real time, including the intensity and stability of the proton beam, to ensure that the beam output during the treatment process meets the preset dose requirements.

[0021] It should be noted that the first ionization chamber and the second ionization chamber operate in different working modes. Here, the working modes are divided into the first working mode (i.e., the conventional mode) and the second working mode (i.e., the flash therapy mode). In the first working mode, the treatment head module usually uses a lower radiation dose, while in the second working mode, the treatment head module needs to use a higher radiation dose within an extremely short time. Due to the significant difference in radiation dose between these two working modes, this difference requires the ionization chamber to have different designs and performances to adapt to their respective monitoring needs. Among them, in the first working mode, the first ionization chamber can be used to monitor the proton beam in the first working mode in real time. The first ionization chamber is suitable for the first working mode and can monitor the proton beam with a lower dose rate. When the proton beam passes through the first ionization chamber, protons collide with gas molecules (such as air or inert gas) to generate electrons and positive ions. An electric field is applied inside the ionization chamber, the electrons are attracted to the anode, and the positive ions are attracted to the cathode, forming a current. By measuring the magnitude of the current, the intensity and dose rate of the proton beam can be monitored in real time.

[0022] In the second working mode, the second ionization chamber can be used. The design and function of the second ionization chamber are specifically targeted at the characteristics of high radiation dose and rapid irradiation in the second working mode, and can monitor the proton beam in the second working mode in real time. The basic principle of the second ionization chamber is the same as that of the first ionization chamber, which also generates a current through the ionization effect. However, the design of the second ionization chamber is optimized so that it can handle radiation with an extremely high dose rate, is suitable for the second working mode, and can monitor the proton beam with an extremely high dose rate within an extremely short time (millisecond level).

[0023] The main function of the range regulator is to control the range of the proton beam by adjusting its energy. The range of the proton beam is closely related to its energy. The higher the energy, the greater the penetration depth of the proton beam; conversely, the lower the energy, the smaller the penetration depth. The range regulator changes the energy of the proton beam to enable it to adapt to the treatment requirements at different depths, ensuring that the proton beam releases the maximum dose in the tumor area while reducing the radiation to the surrounding normal tissues.

[0024] The multi-leaf collimator is used to precisely control the shape and distribution of the proton beam. Its main function is to optimize the dose distribution by adjusting the shape of the beam current, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of the treatment. Among them, as Figure 2 shown, Figure 2 shows the basic structural schematic diagram of the multi-leaf collimator. The multi-leaf collimator is composed of multiple leaves made of metal or lead. The arrangement and number of the leaves can be adjusted according to the requirements of the treatment plan to adapt to tumors of different shapes. These leaves can move independently to form different beam current shapes. The leaves of the multi-leaf collimator can be moved as needed, thereby precisely adjusting the shape of the proton beam. As Figure 3 shown, Figure 3A working schematic diagram of a multi - leaf collimator is shown. By moving different leaves, a beam spot matching the shape of the tumor can be formed. Thus, it can be seen that the multi - leaf collimator can be adjusted according to the shape and size of different tumors. By controlling the shape of the beam current, it can ensure that the proton beam releases the maximum dose in the tumor area, while reducing the radiation to the surrounding normal tissues and providing a personalized treatment plan.

[0025] The scanning magnet is used in proton therapy to achieve pencil - beam scanning. Pencil - beam scanning realizes high - precision irradiation of tumors by precisely controlling the movement of the proton beam. A pencil beam is a thin proton beam that can move precisely within the tumor area to form a small irradiation point. By quickly moving the proton beam and scanning the tumor layer by layer, it ensures that each point can receive the required dose and can achieve a high - precision dose distribution.

[0026] In practical applications, the scanning magnet can change the deflection angle of the proton beam by adjusting the magnetic field generated by the current, thereby realizing the lateral and longitudinal movement of the beam current. By quickly changing the magnetic field, the proton beam can move quickly within the tumor area, and can accurately move the proton beam to each point of the tumor to ensure that each point can receive the required dose.

[0027] The treatment couch has functions of 360° rotation, tilting and lifting, as Figure 4 shown, Figure 4 A working schematic diagram of the treatment couch is shown. By rotating the treatment couch 360° on the horizontal plane, tilting the treatment couch forward or backward, and lifting the treatment couch, the irradiation area of the patient receiving the proton beam is adjusted to ensure that the proton beam or radiation can accurately irradiate the tumor area.

[0028] The control module receives the treatment plan, analyzes the treatment plan, and converts the data in the treatment plan into specific control instructions for scheduling and controlling the working states of each module. Among them, the data in the treatment plan includes information such as tumor location, dose distribution, beam current parameters, working mode, etc.

[0029] The dual - mode precise regulation device here supports two working modes. The control module will decide whether to use the first working mode or the second working mode according to the instructions of the treatment plan, so that it can accurately switch between the first working mode and the second working mode, and control and schedule the working states of the superconducting cyclotron, beam transmission module, treatment head module and treatment couch in this working mode. In the first working mode, the proton beam irradiates with a lower dose rate and stable intensity, and in the second working mode, the proton beam releases high - dose radiation at an extremely high dose rate in a very short time. Among them, the scheduling and control of the equipment by the control module include: The control module starts and regulates the working state of the superconducting cyclotron to ensure the generation of the proton beam and its acceleration to the required energy; it schedules the beam transport module to ensure the accurate transmission of the proton beam to the treatment head module and controls the beam transport module to adjust the energy of the proton beam; it controls the switch, beam shape, energy regulation, and dose release of the treatment head module to ensure that the proton beam irradiates the tumor area precisely according to the treatment plan; it adjusts the rotation, tilt, and lifting functions of the treatment couch to ensure that the patient is in the optimal treatment position.

[0030] Here, the control module can control the working state of the dual-mode precise regulation device in different working modes, can effectively manage the differences between the first working mode and the second working mode, ensure that the dual-mode precise regulation device can accurately switch between different working modes, provide a personalized treatment plan for patients, and improve the accuracy and safety of proton therapy.

[0031] In practical applications, due to the different requirements for energy regulation and dose distribution in the first working mode and the second working mode, there are differences in the devices that need to be scheduled under different working modes, and there are also differences in the working states of the same device under different working modes.

[0032] The treatment time required in the first working mode is relatively long, and the proton beam has a relatively low dose rate. It is necessary to highly precisely regulate the energy of the proton beam to achieve the superposition of multiple Bragg peaks to achieve uniform dose coverage of complex target areas. In the dual-mode precise regulation device, both the beam transport module and the range modulator can be used to regulate the energy of the proton beam. Among them, the beam transport module achieves this by changing the momentum of the beam. This method can output precise proton energy, accurately position the Bragg peak, meet the dose distribution requirements of the conventional mode, and adapt to the needs of the first working mode for low dose rate and long treatment time. The range modulator reduces the energy of the proton beam by inserting substances of different thicknesses, which easily affects the position and shape of the Bragg peak and is more suitable for high-dose rate treatment. Based on this, as shown in Figure 5 shown, Figure 5 shows the main structural schematic diagram of the treatment head module in the first working mode. In the first working mode, the control module enables the beam energy regulation function of the beam transport module and deactivates the range modulator, thereby regulating the energy of the proton beam through the beam transport module to ensure that the energy of the proton beam meets the requirements of the treatment plan.

[0033] The scanning beam technique is often used in the first working mode. The proton beam scans the tumor area point by point in the form of a very narrow pencil beam (usually with a diameter in the range of a few millimeters). The narrow beam of protons is dynamically guided by magnets to precisely scan every point in the tumor area, thus naturally adapting to the shape and size of the tumor. Therefore, in the first working mode, the control module deactivates the multi-leaf collimator and does not need to use the multi-leaf collimator to change the beam shape.

[0034] It should be noted that Figure 2 the position ionization chamber in

[0035] The second working mode aims for an extremely high dose rate and an ultra - short treatment time (usually completed within 1 second). Instead of using a point - by - point scanning method, it irradiates a large area quickly in one go. To achieve treatment within a short time, the dual - mode precision control device needs to complete energy adjustment within milliseconds.

[0036] The range regulator changes the proton beam energy by inserting substances with different thicknesses (such as rotating wheels, solid or gas decelerators) into the beam path, thereby adjusting the proton range. This is a mechanical adjustment, and the thickness switching is very fast (millisecond - level), which can quickly adapt to the ultra - high efficiency requirements of the second working mode without significantly reducing the intensity of the proton beam, and is suitable for rapid large - range energy switching. However, the adjustment speed of the beam transport module is slow and even causes a decrease in beam intensity, which does not meet the requirements of the second working mode. Therefore, in the second working mode, the control module enables the range regulator to adjust the intensity of the proton beam and disables the beam energy adjustment function of the beam transport module, so that the beam transport module is only responsible for the transport of the proton beam.

[0037] The second working mode uses an extended broad beam of protons to directly cover the entire tumor area, rather than point - by - point scanning as in the first working mode. To reduce the irradiation of high doses to surrounding healthy tissues, it is necessary to adjust the shape of the proton beam to match the contour of the tumor. Based on this, in the second working mode, the control module also needs to enable the multi - leaf collimator to change the shape of the proton beam through the multi - leaf collimator, so that the dose distribution of the proton beam precisely matches the tumor contour and protects the surrounding healthy tissues. As Figure 6 shown, Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the main structure of the treatment head module in the second working mode. In the second working mode, the control module will adjust the settings of the range regulator in real - time according to the requirements of the treatment plan, and then adjust the beam energy to adapt to different levels of tumor positions.

[0038] Specifically, in the second working mode, conformal treatment and penetration treatment are provided. Among them, conformal treatment aims to precisely concentrate the radiation dose in the tumor area while minimizing the radiation to surrounding normal tissues. The control module needs to control the multi - leaf collimator to adjust the beam spot shape according to the contour of the tumor, so as to achieve a better dose distribution. Penetration treatment focuses on ensuring that the radiation can effectively penetrate the tumor tissue, especially for deeper tumors, to ensure that the radiation can reach the center of the tumor. The control module controls the range regulator to adjust the energy of the proton beam so that it can penetrate tissues of different depths.

[0039] In one embodiment, the control module can obtain the three-dimensional coordinates and related parameters of the tumor region from the treatment plan. This information typically includes the depth, lateral position of the tumor, and its relationship with the surrounding tissues. To ensure that the proton beam can accurately irradiate the tumor region, the control module must precisely adjust the position of the treatment chair according to the specific location of the tumor, including the height, tilt angle, and rotation angle of the chair. The control module calculates the target position of the treatment chair based on the parsed tumor region information. Specifically, it adjusts the height of the treatment chair according to the patient's height and the depth of the tumor; adjusts the tilt angle of the chair according to the orientation of the tumor to ensure the optimal irradiation angle; and adjusts the rotation angle of the chair according to the specific location of the tumor so that the proton beam can accurately irradiate the tumor region.

[0040] Here, the therapeutic effect of the proton beam highly depends on the accuracy of its irradiation. By precisely adjusting the position of the treatment chair, it can be ensured that the proton beam accurately irradiates the tumor region, maximizing the therapeutic effect.

[0041] In one embodiment, the dual-mode precision regulation device further includes a cone beam CT module. The cone beam CT module can perform real-time imaging of the patient's tumor region before, during, or after treatment, providing high-resolution three-dimensional images. By obtaining the images, it can be determined whether the irradiation region where the patient receives the proton beam (i.e., the actual position of the tumor) is consistent with the tumor region in the treatment plan, ensuring that the proton beam can accurately irradiate the tumor region.

[0042] In one embodiment, after the control module completes the adjustment of the treatment chair, the control module will reconfirm whether the position of the treatment chair meets the requirements of the treatment plan to ensure that the irradiation region is consistent with the tumor region, so that the proton beam accurately irradiates the tumor region. This is accomplished by the cooperation of the control module and the cone beam CT module. The specific adjustment process is as follows: The tumor region is the tumor position set according to the treatment plan, usually determined by the control module parsing the treatment plan before the treatment starts. The irradiation region is the actual position of the patient's tumor obtained in real time through cone beam CT imaging.

[0043] The cone beam CT module calculates the deviation between the tumor region and the irradiation region by comparing them. This deviation can be positional (such as differences in X, Y, Z coordinates) or angular (such as differences in the tilt and rotation angles of the treatment chair). The cone beam CT module transmits the calculated deviation information to the control module in real time. This process is usually achieved through the internal communication protocol of the system to ensure the rapid and accurate transmission of data.

[0044] After the control module receives the deviation information fed back by the cone beam CT module, it first analyzes this data to understand the specific differences between the target position and the irradiation position. To ensure that the proton beam can accurately irradiate the tumor area, the control module needs to adjust the position of the treatment couch according to the deviation information, including: adjusting the height of the treatment couch according to the depth of the tumor; adjusting the tilt angle of the treatment couch according to the orientation of the tumor; and adjusting the rotation angle of the treatment couch according to the specific position of the tumor.

[0045] In one embodiment, the scanning iron is used to implement pencil beam scanning. The pencil beam scanning technology scans the tumor area point by point with a proton beam having an extremely small beam spot. The irradiation time and dose for each point are determined according to the dose distribution requirements in the treatment plan.

[0046] The action position refers to the specific point where the proton beam needs to irradiate, usually the center point of a voxel within the tumor area. During the pencil beam scanning process, the proton beam moves point by point in the order of the action positions, and each action position is assigned a dose value, indicating the radiation dose that the proton beam needs to release at that point. This scanning method can ensure that the proton beam covers the entire tumor while avoiding radiation to the surrounding normal tissues.

[0047] The control module calculates the working current parameters of the scanning iron according to the action positions, changes the magnetic field strength generated by the electromagnet, to control the deflection of the proton beam in the transverse direction (X, Y directions), and ensures its movement within the tumor area to achieve pencil beam scanning.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first ionization chamber and the second ionization chamber monitor the intensity of the proton beam in real time and transmit the data to the control module. The monitoring results usually include the intensity, stability, and fluctuation of the beam current. Among them, in the first working mode, the first ionization chamber works, and the first ionization chamber is responsible for monitoring the intensity of the proton beam. At this time, the control module receives the proton beam monitoring results fed back by the first ionization chamber; in the second working mode, the second ionization chamber works, and the second ionization chamber is responsible for monitoring the intensity of the proton beam. At this time, the control module receives the proton beam monitoring results fed back by the second ionization chamber.

[0049] After the control module receives the proton beam monitoring results from the first ionization chamber or the second ionization chamber, it first analyzes this data to understand the current state of the beam current. According to the proton beam monitoring results, the control module needs to adjust the following key components: Superconducting cyclotron: Adjust the output of the accelerator to ensure the generation of a proton beam with the required intensity.

[0050] Beam transport module: Optimize the beam transport path to ensure that the proton beam does not suffer losses or deviations during transmission. And in the first working mode, adjust the beam transport module to adjust the energy of the proton beam.

[0051] Treatment head module: According to the treatment plan and real-time monitoring results, adjust the settings of the treatment head module, including adjusting the scanning iron, adjusting the range regulator in the second working mode to adjust the energy of the proton beam, and adjusting the multi-leaf collimator in the second working mode to adjust the shape of the proton beam, so as to ensure that the proton beam accurately irradiates the target area.

[0052] In one embodiment, the superconducting cyclotron is further configured with a fast on / off beam interface, which allows the control module to quickly turn on or off the proton beam in an extremely short time. The fast on / off beam interface usually consists of a solenoid valve or a mechanical switch, and these components can quickly change their states after receiving the control signal sent by the control module, thereby controlling the on / off of the proton beam. This fast response ability is crucial for pencil beam scanning. During the scanning process, the control module can quickly turn on or off the proton beam according to the position and shape of the tumor to achieve precise irradiation of each scanning point.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the dual-mode precise regulation device of the proton therapy system combines two different working modes, enabling the dual-mode precise regulation device to support working in two working modes. Thus, according to the treatment plan, schedule and control the working state of the dual-mode precise regulation device in different working modes, achieve accurate switching between different working modes, and ensure the safety and effectiveness of radiotherapy.

[0054] In one embodiment, the dual-mode precise regulation device of the proton therapy system proposes a control method, as Figure 7 shown, Figure 7 shows a schematic flow diagram of the control method, which may include: Step S101, perform self-check on the dual-mode precise regulation device system, and when the self-check is normal, obtain and parse the treatment plan to determine the target working mode.

[0055] The main purpose of the self-check is to confirm that the relevant components of the dual-mode precise regulation device (such as the beam transmission module, treatment head module, control module, etc.) are in a normal working state before treatment to avoid potential failures and safety hazards.

[0056] After the self-check is completed, if all inspection items are normal, the system will enter the working state. The control module obtains the patient's treatment plan. The treatment plan usually includes information such as the position, shape, size, dose distribution, and irradiation plan of the tumor.

[0057] In practical applications, the dual-mode precise regulation device can support two working modes, namely the first working mode and the second working mode. Among them, the radiation dose of the proton beam required for the second working mode is much greater than that required for the first working mode. In the first working mode, the dual-mode precise regulation device can evenly distribute a predetermined radiation dose to the tumor area; in the second working mode, it can concentrate a high-dose radiation on the tumor area at an extremely high rate (usually within a few seconds). Among them, the scenarios adapted to the two working modes are different, and it is necessary to determine the working mode (i.e., the target working mode) of the dual-mode precise regulation device in this treatment from the treatment plan.

[0058] In practical applications, if the target working mode is the first working mode, the beam energy adjustment function of the beam transmission module in the dual-mode precise regulation device is enabled, and the range regulator and multi-leaf collimator are disabled; if the target working mode is the second working mode, the beam energy adjustment of the beam transmission module in the dual-mode precise regulation device is disabled, and the range regulator and multi-leaf collimator are enabled to adjust the beam energy and optimize the beam shape and size.

[0059] Step S102, control the working state of the dual-mode precise regulation device in the target working mode to execute the treatment plan.

[0060] Here, after determining the target working mode, control the working states of the various components in the dual-mode precise regulation device in the target working mode, including adjusting the irradiation area receiving the proton beam, adjusting the output intensity of the proton beam, adjusting the shape of the proton beam, etc., so as to work according to the treatment plan.

[0061] The following provides an application embodiment of the dual-mode precise regulation device of a proton therapy system. The working process of the dual-mode precise regulation device can be divided into system preparation, patient positioning and treatment plan preparation, selection of working mode, work execution, real-time monitoring and adaptive adjustment during work, work end, data recording and archiving. Here, each working process is described in detail: (1) System preparation, including: a. Start the superconducting cyclotron, ensure that all self-checks have been completed when the superconducting cyclotron starts, and ensure the normal operation of the superconducting cyclotron; b. Check the beam transmission module, including the stability of the proton beam, the accuracy of energy adjustment, and whether the beam transmission channel is clean; c. Start the treatment head module and conduct routine inspections to confirm that the components such as the first ionization chamber, the second ionization chamber, the range regulator, the multi-leaf collimator, and the scanning iron are in good condition; d. Start the treatment chair and check whether its electric drive function is normal to ensure that it can accurately adjust the treatment posture of the patient; e. Activate the cone beam CT module to scan and calibrate the patient's position; f. Conduct a system self-check to ensure that the control module can perform normal data exchange with each component (superconducting cyclotron, beam transmission module, treatment head module, treatment chair, cone beam CT module, etc.).

[0062] (2) Patient positioning and treatment plan preparation, including: a. Scan the patient through the cone beam CT module to obtain accurate position information of the patient's tumor; b. Generate a personalized treatment plan based on the patient's tumor type, location, and treatment plan, and determine parameters such as treatment dose, beam energy, beam shape, and range adjustment; c. Adjust the position of the treatment chair according to the treatment plan to ensure that the patient is in the required posture for treatment; d. Use the cone beam CT module to verify the current irradiation area of the patient, and coordinate with the treatment chair through the control module to make the patient's irradiation area the tumor area.

[0063] (3) Select the working mode, including: a. Select the first working mode or the second working mode in the control module according to the requirements of the treatment plan; b. In the first working mode, adjust the energy parameters of the beam transmission system to ensure that the proton beam has an appropriate energy range; c. In the second working mode, turn off the energy adjustment function of the beam transmission module and turn on the range regulator and multi-leaf collimator.

[0064] (4) Work execution, including: a. The control module verifies whether the patient is accurately positioned to ensure that the treatment posture and tumor position are correct; b. Start the superconducting cyclotron to generate a proton beam and transmit the proton beam to the treatment head module through the beam transmission module; c. The treatment head module starts to accurately emit the proton beam, and the control module controls the scanning magnet to perform pencil beam scanning within the specified range to ensure that the proton beam accurately covers the tumor area; d. During the work process, the first ionization chamber or the second ionization chamber real-time detects the state of the proton beam and feeds back the data to the control module 105. The control module adjusts the output and scanning trajectory of the proton beam according to the feedback data to ensure the treatment effect.

[0065] (5) Real-time monitoring and adaptive adjustment during the work process, including: a. The control module continuously monitors the treatment progress and the state of the proton beam to ensure that the proton beam irradiates the tumor in the correct direction and intensity; b. In the second working mode, according to whether the patient needs conformal therapy or penetrating therapy, the control module continuously controls the range regulator and the multi-leaf collimator to optimize the beam spot shape, so as to ensure the flash therapy effect in the tumor area.

[0066] (6) End of treatment, including: a. When the treatment plan is completed, the proton beam stops emitting; b. Control the treatment chair to adjust the patient's position so that the patient can safely and comfortably exit from the treatment position; c. After the treatment is over, the control module executes the shutdown procedure of the equipment to ensure that the treatment equipment is in the standby state; d. Check the treatment equipment after the treatment to confirm whether the treatment equipment is in normal working condition and prepare for the next treatment.

[0067] (7) Working data recording and archiving, specifically including: a. All data during the treatment process (including patient position information, beam current parameters, treatment plan, treatment mode, real-time monitoring data, etc.) will be automatically saved to the database of the control module; b. The treatment record includes the treatment process and results of each patient, and generates reports as needed for medical staff to refer to.

[0068] In the above embodiment, through the dual-mode precise regulation method, the dual-mode precise regulation device can be efficiently switched between different working modes, providing a high-precision proton treatment plan.

[0069] Note that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a definite sequence list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be specifically implemented in any computer-readable medium for use by an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other systems that can fetch and execute instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device), or used in combination with these instruction execution systems, apparatuses, or devices. For the purposes of this specification, a "computer-readable medium" can be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include the following: an electrical connection portion having one or more wirings (electronic device), a portable computer diskette case (magnetic device), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber device, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM). Additionally, the computer-readable medium can even be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, because the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other media, followed by editing, interpretation, or otherwise processing as appropriate, and then storing it in a computer memory.

[0070] It should be understood that the various parts of the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above-described embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, any one or a combination of the following techniques well known in the art can be used: discrete logic circuits having logic gate circuits for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits having appropriate combinational logic gate circuits, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like.

[0071] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0072] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0073] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dual-mode precision control device for a proton therapy system, characterized in that: include: a superconducting cyclotron to produce a stable proton beam; A beam transmission module, used for transmitting the proton beam and adjusting the energy of the proton beam; A treatment head module comprising a first ionization chamber, a second ionization chamber, a range adjuster, a multi-leaf grating and a scanning iron, wherein the first ionization chamber and the second ionization chamber are used to monitor the proton beam in different working modes; the range adjuster is used to adjust the energy of the proton beam; the multi-leaf grating is used to control the shape of the proton beam; and the scanning iron is used to perform pencil beam scanning; A treatment chair, used for adjusting the irradiation area of ​​the patient to be irradiated by the proton beam; A control module is used to receive and analyze the treatment plan, and control the working states of the superconducting cyclotron, the beam transmission module, the treatment head module and the treatment chair in different working modes according to the treatment plan; the working modes include a first working mode and a second working mode, and the radiation dose of the proton beam required by the second working mode is much greater than the radiation dose of the proton beam required by the first working mode.

2. The dual-mode precise control device for a proton therapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the first operating mode, the control module enables the beam energy adjustment function of the beam transmission module and disables the range adjuster and the multi-leaf grating.

3. The dual-mode precise control device for a proton therapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the dual-mode precise control device is in the second working mode, The control module enables the range regulator and the multi-leaf grating, and disables the beam energy regulation function of the beam transmission module.

4. The dual-mode precise control device for a proton therapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module obtains the patient's tumor area from the treatment plan and adjusts the position of the treatment chair according to the tumor area.

5. The dual-mode precise control device for a proton therapy system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The dual-mode precise control device also includes a cone beam CT module for verifying the irradiation area.

6. The dual-mode precise control device for the proton therapy system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cone beam CT module feeds back the deviation information between the tumor area and the irradiation area to the control module; the control module adjusts the position of the treatment chair according to the deviation information feedback.

7. The dual-mode precise control device for a proton therapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module obtains the action position of the proton beam from the treatment plan, and converts the action position into a working current parameter of the scanning iron, so that the scanning iron performs pencil beam scanning at the action position.

8. The dual-mode precise control device for a proton therapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module receives the proton beam monitoring result of the first ionization chamber or the second ionization chamber, and adjusts the superconducting cyclotron, the beam transmission module, and the treatment head module according to the proton beam monitoring result.

9. The dual-mode precise control device for a proton therapy system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The superconducting cyclotron is also equipped with a fast on-off beam interface, and the control module controls the fast on-off beam interface to turn on or off the proton beam.

10. A dual-mode precise control method for a proton therapy system, characterized in that: A dual-mode precise control device for a proton therapy system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method comprises: Performing a self-check on the dual-mode precision control device, and obtaining and analyzing a treatment plan to determine a target working mode if the self-check is normal; Control the working state of the dual-mode precision control device in the target working mode to execute the treatment plan; wherein the target working mode is the first working mode or the second working mode, and the radiation dose of the proton beam required by the second working mode is much greater than the radiation dose of the proton beam required by the first working mode.

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