Online tracking and monitoring system for proton and heavy ion therapy of tumors

Abstract

This invention provides a system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors, belonging to the field of radiotherapy for tumors. The system includes: controlling a proton or heavy ion beam to irradiate the tumor target area of ​​a patient; acquiring signal intensity and spatial distribution information of characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient; acquiring a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton or heavy ion beam within the tumor target area based on the signal intensity and spatial distribution information; acquiring positional and dose deviations based on the real-time image and a preset treatment plan image; and dynamically adjusting the beam current parameters of subsequently emitted proton or heavy ion beams based on the positional and dose deviations. This invention achieves visualization and closed-loop control of in vivo dose deposition by real-time detection of characteristic signals generated during treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radiation oncology treatment technology, and in particular to a system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors. Background Technology

[0002] Proton and heavy ion therapy, due to their distinct Bragg peak dose distribution characteristics, can deposit the maximum dose onto the tumor target area, thereby effectively reducing radiation damage to surrounding normal tissues, and has become an advanced radiotherapy technique. However, the actual energy deposition location of protons or heavy ions in the patient's body is affected by various factors, such as changes in patient respiration or body position, changes in tissue density or water content, tumor shrinkage or deformation, etc.

[0003] Current technologies primarily rely on pre-treatment computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for planning and localization, followed by corrections during treatment using offline image comparison or dose calculation methods. However, this approach cannot achieve real-time online monitoring of the actual distribution of the ion beam and the location of energy loss within the target area, leading to Bragg peak position shifts, increased dose errors, and compromised treatment accuracy and safety. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an online tracing and feedback system capable of real-time monitoring of the beam's position and dose distribution during proton and heavy ion therapy to ensure complete consistency between the treatment plan and actual irradiation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors. By detecting characteristic signals generated during the treatment process in real time, it enables visualization and closed-loop control of in vivo dose deposition.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for online tracing and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors, comprising:

[0006] The proton beam or heavy ion beam is controlled to irradiate the tumor target area of ​​a patient; wherein the tumor target area is enriched with tracer atoms, and the proton beam or the heavy ion beam interacts with the tracer atoms to generate characteristic X-rays;

[0007] Acquire the signal intensity and spatial distribution information of the characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body;

[0008] Based on the signal intensity and the spatial distribution information, a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton beam or the heavy ion beam is obtained within the tumor target area;

[0009] The positional deviation and dose deviation are obtained based on the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the preset treatment plan image; wherein, the positional deviation is the deviation between the actual position of the Bragg peak reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned target area position, and the dose deviation is the deviation between the actual dose value reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned dose value.

[0010] The beam parameters of the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam are dynamically adjusted based on the position deviation and the dose deviation.

[0011] In some embodiments, acquiring the characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body includes:

[0012] X-rays emitted from the patient's body are received through a pixelated detector array;

[0013] Energy dispersive X-rays are performed to screen out the characteristic X-rays corresponding to the tracer atoms.

[0014] In some embodiments, obtaining a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton beam or the heavy ion beam within the tumor target region based on the signal intensity and the spatial distribution information includes:

[0015] Based on the signal intensity and spatial distribution information, an image reconstruction algorithm is used to obtain a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton beam or the heavy ion beam within the tumor target area; wherein, the image reconstruction algorithm includes an algorithm based on back projection or an algorithm based on statistical iterative reconstruction.

[0016] In some embodiments, dynamically adjusting the beam parameters of the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam based on the position deviation and the dose deviation includes:

[0017] When the position deviation and / or the dose deviation exceed the corresponding deviation threshold, the beam parameters of the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam are dynamically adjusted.

[0018] In some embodiments, adjusting the beam current parameters of the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam includes:

[0019] Adjust at least one of the beam energy, range, and scanning parameters of the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam.

[0020] In some embodiments, after acquiring a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton beam or the heavy ion beam within the tumor target region, the method further includes:

[0021] The real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image is overlaid with the patient's anatomical structure image.

[0022] In some embodiments, after acquiring a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton beam or the heavy ion beam within the tumor target region, the method further includes:

[0023] The image displays the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image, the preset treatment plan image, the quantitative information of the positional deviation, and the quantitative information of the dose deviation.

[0024] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0025] The emission of the proton beam or the heavy ion beam, the acquisition of the characteristic X-rays, the acquisition of the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image, and the adjustment of the beam parameters are all synchronously controlled.

[0026] Secondly, the present invention also provides a system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors, comprising:

[0027] An ion beam emission module is used to generate and emit a proton beam or a heavy ion beam for therapeutic purposes; wherein the proton beam or the heavy ion beam interacts with tracer atoms enriched in the tumor target area to generate characteristic X-rays;

[0028] The X-ray detection module is used to detect the characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body in real time and output the signal intensity and spatial distribution information of the characteristic X-rays.

[0029] The image reconstruction module is communicatively connected to the ion beam emission module and the X-ray detection module, respectively, and is used to perform the online tracing and monitoring method for proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors as described in the first aspect.

[0030] In some embodiments, the image reconstruction module is further configured to:

[0031] The real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image is overlaid with the patient's anatomical structure image.

[0032] This invention provides an online tracing and monitoring method for real-time monitoring and feedback control of the target area location and dose during proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors. After the ion beam is emitted from the accelerator, it passes through the patient's body surface and enters the target area, colliding with the lesion tissue containing tracer atoms and exciting X-ray signals with clear energy characteristics. Based on the intrinsic correlation between the X-ray intensity emitted by the collision of protons and heavy ions with tracer atoms in the lesion area and the Bragg peak structure of the ion beam in the lesion area, the Bragg peak position during proton and heavy ion therapy is accurately located and compared with the treatment plan data. When a deviation is detected, the ion beam parameters are automatically adjusted through feedback to ensure that the treatment dose accurately falls on the lesion area, providing online tracing, monitoring, and control for precision heavy ion therapy. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced one by one below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for online tracing and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors provided by the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system structure for online tracing and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors provided by the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an online tracking and monitoring device for proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0039] This invention provides a method and system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors. Figure 1This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors provided by the present invention. The method for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors can be executed by the apparatus for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors provided in this embodiment of the invention. This apparatus can be implemented using software and / or hardware. Figure 1 As shown, the method for online tracing and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors includes the following steps:

[0040] Step S101: Control the proton beam or heavy ion beam to irradiate the patient's tumor target area; wherein, the tumor target area is enriched with tracer atoms, and the proton beam or heavy ion beam interacts with the tracer atoms to generate characteristic X-rays.

[0041] Specifically, tracer atoms refer to chemical elements with high atomic numbers that are pre-introduced or specifically enriched within the tumor target area of ​​a patient. Their main function is to emit characteristic X-rays with specific energies after being excited by a proton or heavy ion beam, serving as a tracer signal. The selection and introduction of tracer atoms must meet multiple medical physics constraints. First, elements with atomic numbers greater than 50 are preferred, such as iodine or gadolinium. Their advantage lies in the higher energy of the characteristic X-rays emitted by high atomic numbers, resulting in stronger penetration of human tissue and facilitating efficient capture by in vitro detectors. Second, tracer atoms must be transported using biocompatible carriers, such as combining them with tumor-targeting molecules like antibodies and peptides to form molecular probes, or preparing them into nanoparticles that can be specifically taken up by tumor tissue, such as iodized oil emulsions or lutetium-containing nanoparticles. Before treatment, the tracer can be administered via intravenous injection, and pre-performed positron emission tomography or energy dispersive spectroscopy can be used to confirm that the uptake ratio of the tracer between the tumor target area and the surrounding normal tissue reaches a preset threshold, so as to ensure the specificity of the signal and a sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio.

[0042] Characteristic X-rays refer to X-ray photons with the characteristic energy of an atom released when a high-energy particle, such as a proton or heavy ion, collides inelasticly with an atom, knocking out an inner-shell electron, and the outer-shell electron jumps to an inner-shell hole. This method constructs a closed-loop control process of real-time sensing, decision-making, and execution. First, in the treatment preparation stage, the location of the tumor target area is determined by imaging systems such as CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), or positioning systems. An appropriate amount of tracer atoms is injected or enriched into the tumor area, and the distribution of tracer atoms is confirmed by techniques such as MRI and PET (Positron Emission Tomography). This tracer has good biocompatibility and can produce obvious characteristic X-ray peaks after irradiation.

[0043] In addition, during the treatment preparation phase, beam energy, beam range, and scan path can be determined based on imaging and dose planning. Specifically, beam energy refers to the initial kinetic energy of the proton or heavy ion beam. Energy directly determines the penetration depth of particles in human tissue; the higher the energy, the deeper the particles penetrate, and the deeper the Bragg peak appears. The treatment planning system automatically calculates the required energy based on the depth of the leading and trailing edges of the tumor target area on the image to ensure that the peak value of the Bragg peak accurately falls on the tumor region, and that the high-dose area completely covers the thickness of the tumor. Beam range refers to the lateral size of a single beam spot and the overall boundary of the planned irradiation area. The beam spot size affects the precision of irradiation; the overall range needs to completely cover the lateral projection of the tumor and avoid surrounding normal organs as much as possible. The size of the beam spot can be defined by adjusting the beam optics. The treatment planning system determines the range of the two-dimensional region to be irradiated based on the lateral shape and size of the tumor. The scan path refers to the movement route that controls an extremely fine beam spot, moving point by point according to a specific sequence and trajectory to cover the entire tumor target area. The dwell time at each point determines the dose at that point. By controlling the movement path and the dwell time at each pixel, tumors of any complex shape can be delineated, and non-uniform dose distribution within the tumor can be achieved, such as delivering a higher dose to the tumor center. The treatment planning system can perform inverse optimization calculations, starting from the desired dose distribution, to calculate the optimal scan path, the position of each point, and the beam dwell time at that point. This allows the construction of the preset treatment plan image described in subsequent embodiments.

[0044] During the treatment phase, the ion source emits a proton or heavy ion beam and performs scanning irradiation as planned. The scanning mode can be intermittent or continuous, that is, the proton or heavy ion beam is controlled to irradiate the target area. The beam penetrates the body tissue and interacts with the tracer atoms in the target area, exciting them to emit characteristic X-rays with specific energies. X-ray detection modules, such as high-resolution energy spectrum detectors or pixelated detection arrays, collect characteristic X-ray signals in real time.

[0045] Step S102: Obtain the signal intensity and spatial distribution information of the characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body.

[0046] Specifically, the characteristic X-rays pass through human tissue and exit the body. The signal intensity and source direction of these characteristic X-rays exiting the body are obtained by the X-ray detection module, i.e., spatial distribution information.

[0047] In some embodiments, acquiring characteristic X-rays emitted from a patient's body includes: receiving X-rays emitted from the patient's body through a pixelated detector array; performing energy spectrum analysis on the X-rays to screen out characteristic X-rays corresponding to tracer atoms, wherein the pixelated detector array can be a highly sensitive pixelated energy spectrum detector, which is used to distinguish X-rays of different energies and acquire spatial distribution information of characteristic X-rays.

[0048] Specifically, a pixelated energy spectrum detector is a detector composed of numerous independent sensing units, i.e., pixels arranged in a regular pattern. Each pixel not only records the number of incident photons but also analyzes their energy, thus outputting data containing both position and energy information. The system uses a pixelated energy spectrum detector array to receive X-rays emitted from the patient's body. First, each detector pixel records the location where the X-ray photons strike, and the information from all pixels is summarized to form a spatial distribution map of the incident X-rays. Second, each pixel performs energy spectrum analysis on the received X-rays. Because characteristic X-rays have energy peaks unique to tracer atoms, and X-rays from other sources have different energy distributions, the system can accurately filter out signals whose energy falls within the characteristic peak window through energy spectrum analysis, identifying them as valid characteristic X-ray signals and filtering out most of the noise. This dual information acquisition method of space and energy provides a high-quality data source for subsequent accurate reconstruction of the dose distribution.

[0049] Therefore, by using energy spectrum discrimination, characteristic X-rays can be effectively distinguished from background noise, significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected signal and ensuring the accuracy of subsequent image reconstruction and bias calculation. In addition, the pixelated design allows the generation location of characteristic X-rays to be precisely traced to specific pixels on the detector, and then, through geometric relationships, back-calculated to the three-dimensional space inside the body, providing accurate spatial sampling points for the reconstruction of dose distribution images.

[0050] Step S103: Obtain a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton beam or heavy ion beam in the tumor target area based on signal intensity and spatial distribution information.

[0051] Specifically, the Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image is a graphical representation of the spatial distribution of energy deposition intensity of a proton or heavy ion beam along its range in vivo tissues, particularly in the tumor target area. The region with the highest energy deposition rate is called the Bragg peak. Since the yield of characteristic X-rays is directly related to the energy loss rate of the incident particles at that location, i.e., the dose deposition rate, and the emission point is the energy deposition point, the actual three-dimensional Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the ion beam within the tumor target area at that moment can be reconstructed based on the detected signal intensity and spatial distribution information; this is the real-time image.

[0052] In some embodiments, obtaining a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of a proton beam or heavy ion beam in a tumor target area based on signal intensity and spatial distribution information includes: obtaining a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of a proton beam or heavy ion beam in a tumor target area based on signal intensity and spatial distribution information and using an image reconstruction algorithm; wherein the image reconstruction algorithm includes an algorithm based on back projection or an algorithm based on statistical iterative reconstruction.

[0053] Specifically, image reconstruction algorithms convert the projection data acquired by the detection system—namely, signal intensity and spatial distribution information—into the internal parameter distribution of an object, i.e., the dose deposition distribution, through mathematical calculations. The principle of the backprojection algorithm is to uniformly backproject the signal value measured by each detector pixel along the ray path corresponding to that pixel back into a three-dimensional image space grid. The data from all projection directions are then superimposed to form the reconstructed image. Assuming that each detected photon is emitted from a point within the body along a straight line, the backprojection algorithm uniformly backprojects the count recorded by each pixel along this imaginary backward ray back into a three-dimensional image space grid. All pixels undergo this backprojection process. Ultimately, in the image space, grid points traversed by multiple backward rays accumulate higher values; these areas are considered signal sources, i.e., the possible locations of high-dose regions. Backprojection calculations are extremely fast and can quickly provide the approximate location of the Bragg peak.

[0054] The statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm starts by assuming an initial dose distribution. Using physical models, such as X-ray generation and attenuation models, it calculates the detection signal that should be generated under this assumed distribution and compares it with the actual detection signal. Based on the differences, it iteratively updates the assumed distribution until the calculated signal best matches the actual signal; this final distribution is the reconstructed image. Specifically, an initial dose distribution map is assumed. Using an interaction yield model (the mapping relationship between energy loss rate and characteristic X-ray signal intensity) and an X-ray attenuation model (the relationship between the signal generated in vivo and the signal detected in vitro), combined with detector geometry, it calculates how many counts each detector pixel should detect if the currently guessed dose distribution map is true. The calculated theoretical counts are compared pixel-by-pixel with the actual measured counts. For pixels where the measured value is much higher than the theoretical value, it indicates that the dose on the corresponding reverse ray path may be underestimated, and vice versa. Then, the guessed dose distribution map is updated in reverse according to statistical rules. This process is repeated dozens to hundreds of times; after each iteration, the guessed distribution map gets closer to the reality. The statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm is accurate and effectively handles noise and limited detection angles.

[0055] For example, the statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm can employ an ordered subset maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm. First, the treatment plan dose distribution is used as the initial value for iteration. Then, using the aforementioned physical model and the tissue attenuation coefficient map obtained from pre-treatment CT images, the expected number of characteristic X-ray photons generated on each detector pixel under the current iterative dose distribution is calculated. Then, the expected photon number is compared pixel-by-pixel with the actual detected photon number to obtain a ratio or difference map, and the voxel dose values ​​are updated by back-projecting along the ray path. Then, constraints based on prior knowledge are introduced in each iteration, such as the Bragg peak shape constraint requiring the dose distribution to have a sharp peak along the range direction, the spatial continuity constraint of the gradual change in dose values ​​of adjacent voxels, and the non-negativity constraint. Then, the iteration stops when the norm of the image change between two consecutive iterations is less than a preset value, or when the maximum number of iterations is reached, and the final three-dimensional dose distribution image is output. Alternatively, based on statistical reconstruction, the following model can be incorporated into the iterative process, such as an anatomical model, which uses the pre-treatment CT images as priors, assuming that the dose distribution will not inexplicably appear in the bone or air, thereby constraining the solution space. Alternatively, a dosimetric model can be used, which utilizes the physical characteristics of the Bragg peak, such as its sharp peak shape and rapid dose drop at the tail, as a constraint. Or, a motion model can be used, which, in respiratory gating therapy, introduces a respiratory motion cycle model to improve the accuracy of dynamic reconstruction.

[0056] Therefore, this embodiment of the invention achieves a reliable conversion from signal to image, providing a clear and mature computational path that transforms abstract detection data into a visualized dose distribution map with physical meaning. Furthermore, by limiting the algorithm type, it ensures that the reconstruction process possesses both the computational efficiency required for real-time feedback and the reconstruction quality to meet clinical accuracy requirements.

[0057] Step S104: Obtain the positional deviation and dose deviation based on the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the preset treatment plan image; wherein, the positional deviation is the deviation between the actual position of the Bragg peak reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned target area position, and the dose deviation is the deviation between the actual dose value reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned dose value.

[0058] Specifically, the treatment plan image is an expected ideal dose distribution image calculated by the treatment plan system before treatment begins, based on the patient's anatomical images and prescribed doses. This image clearly defines the planned target area location and the planned dose value, as described in the preceding embodiments. Subsequently, the system overlays the reconstructed image with the preset target area location in the treatment plan. This involves automatically registering and comparing the real-time image obtained in the preceding embodiments with the pre-set treatment plan image. The comparison is not limited to differences in image pixels; more importantly, it extracts and calculates the deviations of two key physical quantities: first, the positional deviation between the actual center position of the Bragg peak reflected in the real-time image and the center position of the planned target area marked in the plan image; and second, the dose deviation between the dose value of a specific region in the real-time image, such as the target area, and the planned dose value of the corresponding region in the plan image.

[0059] Step S105: Dynamically adjust the beam parameters of the subsequently emitted proton or heavy ion beam based on the position and dose deviations.

[0060] Specifically, beam parameters are adjustable variables that control the physical properties of the proton or heavy ion beam, mainly including beam energy, beam intensity, and beam deflection angle controlled by a scanning magnet. Based on calculated position and dose deviations, the system generates corresponding control commands to dynamically adjust the beam parameters of the subsequent proton or heavy ion beam. For example, if the actual position is off to the left, the scanning magnet is instructed to fine-tune the beam angle to the right; if the actual dose is too low, the beam intensity or residence time is appropriately increased, thus forming a continuous online feedback control loop to ensure that the therapeutic dose is accurately applied to the planned target area.

[0061] This invention achieves high-precision tumor treatment by dynamically visualizing and controlling the beam position and energy deposition area through real-time acquisition of characteristic X-ray information generated by the interaction of protons or heavy ions with tracer atoms in the lesion region, combined with a Bragg peak position reconstruction algorithm. This is achieved by detecting characteristic X-rays originating from dose deposition points within the body, allowing for the first-ever observation of the real-time position and shape of the Bragg peak within the patient's body during treatment, breaking the black box effect of invisible dose distribution in traditional techniques. By calculating position and dose deviations and adjusting the beam accordingly in real time, it can actively correct Bragg peak shifts and dose errors caused by physiological movement, tissue deformation, and other factors, fundamentally improving the targeting precision and dose accuracy of treatment. The closed-loop control mechanism avoids excessive irradiation of normal tissues due to dose deposition deviating from the target area, maximizing the protection of surrounding healthy organs.

[0062] In some embodiments, dynamically adjusting the beam current parameters of the subsequently emitted proton or heavy ion beam based on position deviation and dose deviation includes: dynamically adjusting the beam current parameters of the subsequently emitted proton or heavy ion beam when the position deviation and / or dose deviation exceed the corresponding deviation threshold.

[0063] Specifically, the deviation threshold is a pre-set critical value used to determine whether the deviation is significant enough to require intervention and adjustment. For example, the position deviation threshold can be set to 2 mm, and the dose deviation threshold can be set to 3%. The feedback control module automatically adjusts the energy, range, or scanning parameters of the ion beam based on the deviation between the image reconstruction result and the planned data, achieving closed-loop control. The system does not adjust for every minute deviation; instead, it introduces the concept of deviation thresholds. After calculating the position and dose deviations, the system compares them with their respective preset thresholds. If the absolute value of the position deviation is greater than the preset position deviation threshold, or the absolute value of the dose deviation is greater than the preset dose deviation threshold, or both, the current treatment state is determined to have exceeded the allowable tolerance range. The system then triggers the feedback control mechanism, generating instructions to adjust the beam parameters. If the deviations are all within the thresholds, the treatment state is determined to be good, requiring no adjustment, and irradiation continues according to the original plan. This threshold-based management improves the intelligence and stability of the system and avoids unnecessary frequent adjustments.

[0064] Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, when the deviation exceeds a preset threshold, the system automatically sends a correction command to the beam controller, which can adjust the ion beam energy, range, or scanning angle. If the deviation is small, the system can also fine-tune the dose weight or scanning step size without changing the overall plan to maintain treatment accuracy. This avoids false triggering and beam parameter jitter caused by measurement noise or minor physiological fluctuations, ensuring a smooth treatment process. Intervention is only required when necessary, which is more in line with the logic of clinical operation and improves the reliability of the automated system.

[0065] For example, all calibration steps can be recorded and archived for post-treatment dose verification and quality control. The system automatically records the detection signal, reconstruction results, deviation amount, and calibration instructions made in each irradiation cycle, and generates auditable logs and dose verification reports. Furthermore, dynamic adjustments can implement multi-mode feedback strategies based on the type of deviation. For instance, real-time online correction is possible. Specifically, when the deviation exceeds a threshold but changes gradually, such as when caused by breathing, the system performs feedforward compensation fine-tuning of the energy and scanning position of the next or more upcoming beam pulses based on a predictive model, such as a respiratory motion model, and the current deviation. Alternatively, beam gating can be performed. Specifically, when a sudden, large positional deviation is detected, such as when coughing, the system immediately sends a command to pause beam emission until real-time monitoring shows the target area position has returned to within a safe window before resuming irradiation. Alternatively, dose rate modulation can be performed. Specifically, when the dose deviation remains negative, i.e., underdose, the system can automatically calculate and execute dose compensation irradiation while ensuring the safety of normal tissues, appropriately increasing the beam dwell time in the underdose region during subsequent scans.

[0066] In some embodiments, adjusting the beam parameters of a subsequently emitted proton or heavy ion beam includes adjusting at least one of the beam energy, range, and scanning parameters of the subsequently emitted proton or heavy ion beam.

[0067] Specifically, depending on the type and direction of the deviation, the system can dynamically adjust one or more of the following parameters: Adjusting the beam energy, by changing the accelerator output, can alter the penetration capability of protons or heavy ions, thereby shifting the depth of the Bragg peak forward or backward to correct depth-direction positional deviations. Adjusting the scanning parameters, by changing the current of the scanning magnet, can control the lateral deflection angle of the beam, thereby moving the beam irradiation point to the correct position to correct lateral positional deviations. Adjusting the beam intensity or range modulator, by adjusting the beam intensity or using the range modulator, can change the dose deposited per unit time, thereby correcting dose deviations. Thus, this embodiment of the invention covers all key irradiation parameters such as depth, lateral position, and dose intensity, effectively addressing treatment deviations caused by various factors.

[0068] In some embodiments, after acquiring a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of a proton beam or heavy ion beam within the tumor target area, the method further includes: overlaying the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image with an image of the patient's anatomical structure.

[0069] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a system structure for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors provided by the present invention. Figure 2As shown, anatomical images are medical images that display the morphology and structure of a patient's internal tissues and organs, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. After obtaining a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image, it is fused and overlaid with an anatomical image of the same patient. First, the two images need to be spatially registered to ensure they correspond to the same coordinate system. After registration, a dose distribution map, represented as a color cloud or contour line (i.e., a heatmap), is overlaid on the grayscale anatomical image, such as a CT bone window image, allowing doctors and medical physicists to visualize it intuitively. Figure 2 As shown, the high-dose hotspot region A, i.e., the Bragg peak, accurately falls within the tumor target area B, and its spatial relationship with surrounding key normal organs is examined. For example, the Bragg peak position, current imaging point, and planned target area can be displayed in real-time on a console monitor in two or three dimensions for clinicians to monitor.

[0070] Therefore, this invention combines invisible dose distribution with visible anatomical structures, giving treatment monitoring direct anatomical significance and greatly improving its intuitiveness and comprehensibility. Based on the overlaid images, doctors can quickly and intuitively assess the actual effectiveness and safety of the treatment, providing crucial visual evidence for determining whether human intervention is necessary.

[0071] In some embodiments, after acquiring a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of a proton beam or heavy ion beam within the tumor target area, the method further includes: displaying the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image, a preset treatment plan image, quantitative information on positional deviation, and quantitative information on dose deviation.

[0072] Specifically, the display interface is configured to simultaneously present multiple key information elements. The real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image reflects the current situation, the preset treatment plan image reflects the ideal target, and the quantitative information of positional and dose deviations can be displayed in real time in the form of numbers, vector arrows, or percentages. For example, the screen can be divided into several views: one view displays an anatomical diagram with the real-time dose overlaid, another view displays the real-time dose distribution map and the planned dose distribution map side by side, and the positional and dose deviations are dynamically updated in the form of a digital dashboard in one corner of the screen.

[0073] Therefore, this embodiment of the invention centrally displays all key monitoring and evaluation information, avoiding the need for doctors to switch between different screens or systems and improving monitoring efficiency. Providing specific deviation values ​​elevates the assessment of treatment accuracy from qualitative observation to quantitative analysis, making it more scientific and precise.

[0074] In some embodiments, the method for online tracing and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors further includes: synchronously controlling the emission of a proton beam or heavy ion beam, acquiring characteristic X-rays, acquiring real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution images, and adjusting beam parameters.

[0075] Specifically, synchronization control refers to ensuring that multiple parallel or sequential events in the system occur in a coordinated manner according to strict time relationships. Synchronization control ensures that the following key actions are precisely aligned in time: the beam emission time, the time when the detector begins acquiring characteristic X-ray signals, the time when image reconstruction calculation is completed, and the time when beam adjustment commands are generated and issued based on deviations. This can be achieved by a central synchronization control module or a global clock signal that supports trigger and timestamp synchronization. For example, at the same time as each beam pulse is emitted, a trigger signal is sent to the detector to begin acquisition. After the detector data is ready, the image reconstruction task is immediately triggered. After reconstruction is completed, comparison calculations and feedback decisions are performed immediately. The decision results must be sent to the beam controller before the next beam pulse is emitted.

[0076] For example, the system maintains a global, high-precision timestamp, with an accuracy better than 1 microsecond. Each critical event is synchronized with this clock via hardware trigger signals or software interrupts. For instance, after each beam pulse is shaped, the accelerator control system sends a beam-ready pulse to the synchronization module. Upon receiving this pulse, the synchronization module simultaneously sends a start-of-acquisition trigger signal to the X-ray detector array and records the timestamp T1. After the detector completes a preset acquisition window, such as one equal to the pulse width, it sends a data packet with timestamp T1 to the image reconstruction module. When processing the data with timestamp T1, the image reconstruction module retrieves the preset beam parameters (planned values) for the same time T1 from the database for comparison and deviation calculation. All data and command streams are transmitted via a deterministic real-time network to ensure the stability and predictability of communication latency.

[0077] Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention set up precise timing control, which is the basis for realizing millisecond-level feedback loop, avoiding control failure or error caused by data asynchrony or command delay, ensuring that the detection data used for each image reconstruction actually corresponds to the beam irradiation being evaluated, and preventing data mismatch from leading to erroneous conclusions.

[0078] In summary, compared with existing technologies, the embodiments of this invention can achieve real-time online monitoring by tracking the X-ray emission signals of tracer atoms to monitor the ion beam deposition position in real time. This improves treatment precision, dynamically corrects Bragg peak position shifts, and ensures the dose is concentrated in the tumor area. It reduces irradiation of normal tissues by avoiding over-irradiation caused by energy errors through closed-loop control feedback. Furthermore, the system has strong compatibility and can be integrated into existing proton or heavy ion therapy devices without significant modifications. It provides visual feedback and real-time imaging display, offering intuitive guidance to physicians.

[0079] This invention also provides a system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors includes an ion beam emission module 201, an X-ray detection module 202, and an image reconstruction module 203. The ion beam emission module 201 generates and emits a proton beam or heavy ion beam for therapy; wherein the proton beam or heavy ion beam interacts with tracer atoms enriched in the tumor target area to generate characteristic X-rays; the X-ray detection module 202 is used to detect the characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient in real time and output the signal intensity and spatial distribution information of the characteristic X-rays; the image reconstruction module 203 is communicatively connected to the ion beam emission module 201 and the X-ray detection module 202, respectively, and is used to perform the method for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors as described in the above embodiments.

[0080] Specifically, communication connection refers to the connection between modules through wired or wireless data transmission to achieve control command and data exchange. The ion beam emission module 201 includes an accelerator, scanning magnets, etc., responsible for generating and precisely guiding the therapeutic beam. It is used to generate and emit the proton or heavy ion beam required for treatment. The ion beam emission module 201 has a beam control unit and an energy modulation unit. Through magnetic field scanning and energy adjustment, it achieves beam positioning and dose distribution control in the target area. The ion beam emission module 201 and the image reconstruction module 203 form a closed loop, which can automatically adjust the beam intensity, emission angle, or energy layer depth according to real-time feedback signals to maintain spatial consistency of the dose in the target area. In addition, a medical safety tracer containing high atomic number tracer atoms is introduced into the tumor lesion area. When incident protons or heavy ions undergo inelastic collisions with these tracer atoms, their inner-shell electrons are excited to transition and emit characteristic X-rays. The energy spectrum intensity of these characteristic X-rays is intrinsically related to the ion beam energy loss, providing a basis for subsequent Bragg peak position reconstruction.

[0081] X-ray detection module 202, i.e., a pixelated energy spectrum detector array, is arranged around the treatment bed. It is responsible for capturing characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body and converting them into digital signals. Specifically, it acquires the signals of characteristic X-rays generated by the collision of the ion beam and tracer atoms after passing through human tissue in real time, and transmits the signal intensity and spatial distribution information to a computer. Image reconstruction module 203, which can be a high-performance computer, receives beam state information from ion beam emission module 201 and detection data from X-ray detection module 202 via a communication link. It incorporates all the method logic described in the above embodiments, executes a series of algorithms including signal processing, image reconstruction, deviation calculation, logical judgment, and control command generation, and sends adjustment commands back to ion beam emission module 201, thus forming a closed-loop system. The computer mainly constructs a spatial position image of the Bragg peak based on the intrinsic correlation between the detection signal intensity and distribution and the characteristic X-rays and the Bragg peak position of the ion beam, and displays the lesion treatment area and beam imaging points on the display screen. The system may also include a synchronization control module to ensure the timing synchronization of the ion source, detection system, imaging display, and feedback control system, achieving online closed-loop operation. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the synchronization control signal only as an example, and does not specifically limit the specific entity that sends the synchronization control signal.

[0082] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the image reconstruction module 203 is also used to overlay and display the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image with the patient's anatomical structure image.

[0083] Specifically, in addition to performing calculations and control, the image reconstruction module 203 also drives the display device, such as a medical monitor, to perform the image overlay display function. That is, the image reconstruction module 203 is responsible for calling the patient's anatomical structure image database, registering, fusing and rendering it with the Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image calculated in real time, and finally outputting the overlaid image to the display device.

[0084] The following describes the apparatus for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors provided by the present invention. The apparatus for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors described below can be referred to in correspondence with the method for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors described above.

[0085] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a device for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3As shown, the device for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors includes an irradiation control module 301 for controlling the proton beam or heavy ion beam to irradiate the tumor target area of ​​the patient; wherein, the tumor target area is enriched with tracer atoms, and the proton beam or heavy ion beam interacts with the tracer atoms to generate characteristic X-rays; an information acquisition module 302 for acquiring the signal intensity and spatial distribution information of the characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient; an image acquisition module 303 for acquiring a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton beam or heavy ion beam in the tumor target area based on the signal intensity and spatial distribution information; a deviation acquisition module 304 for acquiring position deviation and dose deviation based on the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and a preset treatment plan image; wherein, the position deviation is the deviation between the actual position of the Bragg peak reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned target area position, and the dose deviation is the deviation between the actual dose value reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned dose value; and a dynamic adjustment module 305 for dynamically adjusting the beam current parameters of the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam based on the position deviation and dose deviation.

[0086] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the electronic device may include: a processor 401, a communications interface 402, a memory 403, and a communication bus 404, wherein the processor 401, the communications interface 402, and the memory 403 communicate with each other via the communication bus 404. The processor 401 can call logical instructions in the memory 403 to execute a method for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors, including:

[0087] The proton or heavy ion beam is controlled to irradiate the tumor target area of ​​the patient; the tumor target area is enriched with tracer atoms, and the proton or heavy ion beam interacts with the tracer atoms to produce characteristic X-rays.

[0088] Acquire information on the signal intensity and spatial distribution of characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body;

[0089] Real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution images of proton beams or heavy ion beams within the tumor target area are obtained based on signal intensity and spatial distribution information.

[0090] The positional deviation and dose deviation are obtained by comparing the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image with the preset treatment plan image; wherein, the positional deviation is the deviation between the actual position of the Bragg peak reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned target area position, and the dose deviation is the deviation between the actual dose value reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned dose value.

[0091] The beam parameters of the subsequently emitted proton or heavy ion beams are dynamically adjusted based on position and dose deviations.

[0092] Furthermore, the logical instructions in the aforementioned memory 403 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0093] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer is able to perform the online tracking and monitoring methods for proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors provided by the above methods, including:

[0094] The proton or heavy ion beam is controlled to irradiate the tumor target area of ​​the patient; the tumor target area is enriched with tracer atoms, and the proton or heavy ion beam interacts with the tracer atoms to produce characteristic X-rays.

[0095] Acquire information on the signal intensity and spatial distribution of characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body;

[0096] Real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution images of proton beams or heavy ion beams within the tumor target area are obtained based on signal intensity and spatial distribution information.

[0097] The positional deviation and dose deviation are obtained by comparing the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image with the preset treatment plan image; wherein, the positional deviation is the deviation between the actual position of the Bragg peak reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned target area position, and the dose deviation is the deviation between the actual dose value reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned dose value.

[0098] The beam parameters of the subsequently emitted proton or heavy ion beams are dynamically adjusted based on position and dose deviations.

[0099] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors provided by the methods described above, comprising:

[0100] The proton or heavy ion beam is controlled to irradiate the tumor target area of ​​the patient; the tumor target area is enriched with tracer atoms, and the proton or heavy ion beam interacts with the tracer atoms to produce characteristic X-rays.

[0101] Acquire information on the signal intensity and spatial distribution of characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body;

[0102] Real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution images of proton beams or heavy ion beams within the tumor target area are obtained based on signal intensity and spatial distribution information.

[0103] The positional deviation and dose deviation are obtained by comparing the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image with the preset treatment plan image; wherein, the positional deviation is the deviation between the actual position of the Bragg peak reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned target area position, and the dose deviation is the deviation between the actual dose value reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned dose value.

[0104] The beam parameters of the subsequently emitted proton or heavy ion beams are dynamically adjusted based on position and dose deviations.

[0105] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0106] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., including several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods of various embodiments or some parts of embodiments.

[0107] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors, characterized in that, include: An ion beam emission module is used to generate and emit a proton beam or a heavy ion beam for therapeutic purposes; wherein the proton beam or the heavy ion beam interacts with tracer atoms enriched in the tumor target area to generate characteristic X-rays; The X-ray detection module is used to detect the characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body in real time and output the signal intensity and spatial distribution information of the characteristic X-rays. The image reconstruction module is communicatively connected to both the ion beam emission module and the X-ray detection module, and is used for: The proton beam or heavy ion beam is controlled to irradiate the tumor target area of ​​a patient; wherein the tumor target area is enriched with tracer atoms, and the proton beam or the heavy ion beam interacts with the tracer atoms to generate characteristic X-rays; Acquire the signal intensity and spatial distribution information of the characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body; Based on the signal intensity of the characteristic X-rays emitted by the tracer atoms colliding with the tumor target area by the proton beam or heavy ion beam, and the intrinsic correlation between the proton beam or heavy ion beam and the Bragg peak structure in the tumor target area, a three-dimensional real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton beam or heavy ion beam in the tumor target area is obtained according to the signal intensity and the spatial distribution information and by using an image reconstruction algorithm. The positional deviation and dose deviation are obtained based on the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the preset treatment plan image; wherein, the positional deviation is the deviation between the actual position of the Bragg peak reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned target area position, and the dose deviation is the deviation between the actual dose value reflected in the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image and the planned dose value. The beam parameters of the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam are dynamically adjusted based on the position deviation and the dose deviation. This includes synchronously controlling the emission of the proton beam or the heavy ion beam, acquiring the characteristic X-rays, acquiring the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image, and adjusting the beam parameters.

2. The system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors according to claim 1, characterized in that, Acquiring the characteristic X-rays emitted from the patient's body includes: X-rays emitted from the patient's body are received through a pixelated detector array; Energy dispersive X-rays are performed to screen out the characteristic X-rays corresponding to the tracer atoms.

3. The system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image reconstruction algorithm includes back-projection-based algorithms or statistical iterative reconstruction-based algorithms.

4. The system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of dynamically adjusting the beam parameters of the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam based on the position deviation and the dose deviation includes: When the position deviation and / or the dose deviation exceed the corresponding deviation threshold, the beam parameters of the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam are dynamically adjusted.

5. The system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment of the beam parameters for the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam includes: Adjust at least one of the beam energy, range, and scanning parameters of the subsequently emitted proton beam or heavy ion beam.

6. The system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors according to claim 1, characterized in that, After acquiring a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton beam or the heavy ion beam within the tumor target region, the method further includes: The real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image is overlaid with the patient's anatomical structure image.

7. The system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors according to claim 6, characterized in that, After acquiring a real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image of the proton beam or the heavy ion beam within the tumor target region, the method further includes: The image displays the real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image, the preset treatment plan image, the quantitative information of the positional deviation, and the quantitative information of the dose deviation.

8. The system for online tracking and monitoring of proton and heavy ion therapy for tumors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image reconstruction module is also used for: The real-time Bragg peak dose deposition distribution image is overlaid with the patient's anatomical structure image.

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