Flux and energy spectrum coordinated regulation device, method and system for boron neutron capture therapy

Abstract

The invention discloses a flux and energy spectrum coordinated regulation and control device, method and system for boron neutron capture therapy, and belongs to the technical field of radiotherapy, and the device comprises a composite modulation unit array which is composed of a plurality of composite modulation rods which can independently move linearly in the direction parallel to the axis of a beam; wherein each composite modulation rod is formed by fixedly connecting at least two neutronics material sections with different neutron reaction cross sections and moderation capabilities along the movement direction of the composite modulation rod; the array composed of the composite modulation rods capable of independently and linearly moving is adopted, each rod is composed of at least two different neutronics material sections, and the traditional normal form that flux adjustment and energy spectrum adjustment are separated from each other is broken through. Synchronous, independent and dynamic integrated modulation of flux intensity and energy spectrum characteristics of an output neutron beam in any local area in a two-dimensional space is realized, so that dual optimization of dose and biological effect is realized, and personalized level and potential curative effect of BNCT treatment are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radiotherapy technology, and in particular to a device, method and system for synergistic regulation of flux and energy spectrum for boron neutron capture therapy. Background Technology

[0002] Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an advanced binary targeted radiotherapy technique. Its principle is: first, boron-10 (¹) neutrons are captured and placed in a neutron-10-2000 neutron ... 0 B) The drug selectively accumulates within tumor cells, followed by irradiation with thermal or ultrathermal neutron beams.¹ 0 When a boron nucleus captures a neutron, it undergoes nuclear fission, producing alpha particles and lithium nuclei with high linear energy transfer density (LET). Their effective range is only about 10 micrometers, sufficient to efficiently kill tumor cells involved in the capture reaction with minimal damage to surrounding normal tissue. Therefore, the therapeutic effect of BNCT is highly dependent on two key physical factors: first, the neutron flux reaching the tumor region, which directly determines the number of capture reactions per unit time; and second, the neutron energy spectrum, which determines the ability of neutrons to penetrate tissue and the dose deposition profile within the tissue. An ideal therapeutic beam should form a uniform and sufficient therapeutic dose within the three-dimensional space of the tumor. This requires the beam to precisely conform to the complex shape of the tumor in terms of spatial distribution, and to be optimized in terms of energy spectrum characteristics based on tumor depth and the distribution of surrounding normal tissue (for example, superficial tumors may require more thermal neutrons, while deep tumors require ultrathermal neutrons to increase penetration depth).

[0003] In existing BNCT devices, the neutrons produced from the neutron source are typically broad-spectrum, containing a variety of components ranging from fast neutrons to thermal neutrons. Conventional techniques rely primarily on beam moderation and collimation units to shape these neutrons into a therapeutically suitable beam. Moderators (usually made of hydrogen- or beryllium-containing materials) are used to slow fast neutrons to the hyperthermal or thermal neutron energy range; collimators define the beam direction and size; additionally, static filters (such as cadmium or indium plates) may be used to absorb neutrons in specific energy ranges to adjust the spectral shape.

[0004] However, existing technical solutions have significant limitations: Traditional filters (such as moderators and absorbers) have a global and coupled effect on flux and energy spectrum. For example, increasing the thickness of the moderator can change the overall energy spectrum, but it also leads to a general decrease in flux across the entire beam cross-section, making it difficult to independently control the flux intensity in a local region while adjusting the local energy spectrum. Existing technologies mainly shape the spatial flux distribution of the beam through physical collimation or simple multi-leaf collimators. These methods can only attenuate flux through an "all-or-nothing" shielding approach, and cannot perform fine gradient intensity modulation of the beam, let alone independently control the local energy spectrum in two-dimensional space. This makes it difficult for the beam to accurately match the irregular and non-uniform three-dimensional shape of the tumor, and in particular, it is impossible to ensure dual optimization of dose and energy spectrum within the tumor while protecting adjacent dangerous organs (such as the brainstem and optic nerve).

[0005] Although some studies have proposed using movable components or multilayer filters for dynamic adjustment, no technical solution has yet emerged that can achieve deep coordination and dynamic integration of spatially resolved flux modulation and spatially resolved energy spectrum modulation in terms of physical structure and control logic. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a device, method and system for coordinated regulation of flux and energy spectrum for boron neutron capture therapy, which aims to solve the problems in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the first aspect of this invention proposes a flux and energy spectrum co-regulation device for boron neutron capture therapy, disposed at the end of the neutron beam transmission path, for shaping a broadband neutron beam, comprising: A composite modulation unit array, the array being composed of multiple composite modulation rods capable of moving independently in a straight line parallel to the beam axis, wherein each composite modulation rod is composed of at least two neutronics material segments with different neutron reaction cross sections and moderation capabilities fixedly connected along its direction of movement. A drive and position sensing system, comprising an independently controllable linear actuator connected to each of the composite modulation rods, and a sensor for detecting the position of each composite modulation rod. A beam monitoring unit is located downstream of the composite modulation unit array; The beam monitoring unit includes: A space-resolved flux detector is used to acquire two-dimensional distribution information of neutron flux intensity. as well as, Multiple discretely arranged spectrometer probes are used to acquire and analyze neutron energy spectrum information at selected locations on the beam cross section to obtain characteristic energy spectrum parameters.

[0008] Optionally, the neutronics materials segment includes: The first material segment, made of a metal or alloy with an atomic number greater than 70, is used to attenuate the neutron flux through the high neutron absorption cross section; The second material segment, made of low atomic number moderators rich in hydrogen or beryllium, is used to selectively moderate neutrons in specific energy ranges through elastic and inelastic scattering to change the shape of the energy spectrum.

[0009] Optionally, the material of the first material segment is selected from one or more alloys of tungsten, lead, and bismuth; the material of the second material segment is selected from one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, and beryllium oxide.

[0010] Optionally, the composite modulation unit array includes N layers of modulation subarrays arranged in parallel along the beam direction, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; each layer of modulation subarray contains the composite modulation rods arranged in an M×M two-dimensional matrix, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 10.

[0011] Optionally, the cross-section of the composite modulation rod is circular, with a diameter between 5 mm and 30 mm; in the array, the center distance between adjacent composite modulation rods is no greater than 1.5 times their diameter, so as to ensure mechanical movement clearance while enabling the array to basically cover the entire beam cross-section when fully deployed.

[0012] Optionally, the repeatability of the linear actuator is better than ±0.5 mm.

[0013] Optionally, the characteristic energy spectrum parameters include the ratio of ultrathermal neutron flux to thermal neutron flux, and / or the average neutron energy at the selected location.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a flux and energy spectrum synergistic regulation device for boron neutron capture therapy as described above, comprising the following steps: S1 planning steps: Based on the three-dimensional information of the patient's tumor target area, determine the two-dimensional spatial flux distribution target and characteristic energy spectrum parameter distribution target of the neutron beam required for treatment; S2 calculation steps: Based on the pre-established device response model, the flux distribution target and the energy spectrum parameter distribution target are converted into target position instructions for each composite modulation rod in the composite modulation unit array; S3 Execution and Control Steps: Drive the composite modulation rod to the target position; during the treatment process, monitor the flux distribution and characteristic energy spectrum parameters of the neutron beam in real time and compare them with the target value. Based on the comparison results, dynamically adjust the position of each composite modulation rod to achieve coordinated control of flux and energy spectrum.

[0015] A third aspect of the present invention provides a boron neutron capture therapy system, comprising a neutron generation unit, a beam slowing and collimation unit, and a patient positioning unit, wherein the above-described flux and energy spectrum co-regulation device for boron neutron capture therapy is integrated between the beam slowing and collimation unit and the patient positioning unit.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. The flux and energy spectrum synergistic modulation device, method, and system for boron neutron capture therapy of the present invention, by employing an array of composite modulation rods capable of independent linear motion, with each rod composed of segments of at least two different neutronics materials, breaks the traditional paradigm of separating flux modulation and energy spectrum modulation. It achieves synchronous, independent, and dynamic integrated modulation of the flux intensity and energy spectrum characteristics of the output neutron beam in any local region of two-dimensional space. This allows the therapeutic beam to adapt to complex three-dimensional tumor target areas with unprecedented precision, spatially creating a steep flux distribution gradient to protect organs at risk, and dynamically adjusting the local dominant neutron energy according to the depth and cellular characteristics of different tumor sites. This achieves dual optimization of dosage and biological effects, significantly improving the personalization level and potential efficacy of BNCT therapy.

[0017] 2. The flux and energy spectrum synergistic modulation device, method, and system for boron neutron capture therapy of the present invention creates a continuously adjustable material functional unit by fixing a high atomic number absorbing material segment and a hydrogen-rich moderator material segment onto a single modulation rod. By controlling only the insertion depth of the single rod, the flux attenuation and energy spectrum moderation effects can be continuously and proportionally mixed within the corresponding local beam region. This provides a simple and efficient physical basis for complex synergistic modulation requirements, avoiding the mechanical complexity and control difficulties associated with using multiple independent systems.

[0018] 3. The flux and energy spectrum synergistic control device, method, and system for boron neutron capture therapy of the present invention, by setting up a multi-layer modulator array arranged sequentially along the beam direction, greatly expands the device's ability to shape the neutron energy spectrum and its spatial modulation degrees of freedom. The multi-layer structure is equivalent to introducing an additional modulation dimension, which can generate more complex and richer spatial-energy spectrum combinations, thereby more accurately meeting advanced clinical needs such as the need for different energy spectrum components in the tumor core and periphery, while improving spatial modulation resolution.

[0019] 4. The flux and energy spectrum coordinated control device, method, and system for boron neutron capture therapy of the present invention, by limiting the cross-section of the composite modulation rod to be circular, the diameter range, and the center distance between adjacent rods, has the beneficial effect of maximizing the effective coverage and modulation uniformity of the beam cross-section while ensuring the reliability and accuracy of mechanical movement. The closely arranged array minimizes the leakage of unmodulated beams, providing a solid foundational geometry for high-precision spatial modulation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flux and energy spectrum coordinated control device for boron neutron capture therapy according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is the overall structure and layout of the boron neutron capture therapy system and the flux and energy spectrum coordinated control device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the composite modulation unit array structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control method steps for the flux and energy spectrum coordinated regulation device for boron neutron capture therapy according to the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Composite modulation rod; 2. First material segment; 3. Second material segment; 4. Spatial resolution flux detector; 5. Linear actuator; 6. Spectrometer probe; 10. Neutron generation unit; 11. Beam slowing and collimation unit; 12. Drive and position sensing system; 13. Composite modulation unit array; 14. Beam monitoring unit; 15. Patient positioning unit.

[0022] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0023] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. Example 1

[0025] Reference Figures 1-4An embodiment of the present invention provides a flux and energy spectrum co-regulation device for boron neutron capture therapy, disposed at the end of the neutron beam transmission path, for shaping a broadband neutron beam, comprising: a composite modulation unit array 13, the array being composed of multiple composite modulation rods 1 capable of independent linear movement along a direction parallel to the beam axis; wherein each composite modulation rod 1 is composed of at least two neutronics material segments with different neutron reaction cross sections and moderation capabilities fixedly connected along its direction of movement; by independently controlling the depth at which each composite modulation rod 1 is inserted into or withdrawn from the beam path, the material type and total thickness contributed by the rod in the beam path are changed, thereby achieving co-dynamic modulation of the local flux intensity and energy spectrum of the output neutron beam.

[0026] Understandably, the device of this invention is typically installed at the end of the beam transmission line of a BNCT system, located between the slowing collimation system and the patient treatment head. It receives a broadband neutron beam (typically containing a wide energy range from thermal neutrons to fast neutrons) from upstream and, according to the needs of a specific treatment plan, performs coordinated and dynamic fine shaping of the two-dimensional spatial flux distribution and local energy spectrum characteristics of the neutron beam that will be irradiated onto the patient's tumor target area.

[0027] The specific depth at which the beam path is inserted or withdrawn is as follows: Moving from the reference zero point towards the beam direction is called insertion, and the distance moved is the insertion depth.

[0028] Returning from the maximum insertion position towards zero is called withdrawal, and the distance returned is the withdrawal depth.

[0029] Insertion and withdrawal are used to change the thickness of the material contribution.

[0030] The device in this embodiment mainly includes: a composite modulation unit array 13, a driving and position sensing system 12, a beam monitoring unit 14, and a collaborative intelligent control system.

[0031] The composite modulation unit array 13 is composed of hundreds to thousands of independently controllable composite modulation rods 1 arranged in a two-dimensional grid. The axial direction of all composite modulation rods 1 is parallel to the main transmission direction of the neutron beam. Each rod can be controlled to move linearly along its axial direction, thereby partially or completely inserting into the neutron beam path, or withdrawing from the path.

[0032] Each composite modulation rod 1 is not made of a single material, but rather consists of at least two material segments with distinctly different neutronic properties fixedly connected together along its length (i.e., the direction of motion). For example, the proximal end (near the driving end) of a rod is material segment A, and the distal end (the end extending into the beam) is material segment B. By precisely controlling the depth at which the rod is inserted into the beam, the combination of material types and the total thickness penetrated by the neutron beam at that spatial location can be dynamically changed.

[0033] By collaboratively controlling the depth of each rod in the composite modulation unit array, a "two-dimensional composite modulator" composed of different materials and thicknesses is dynamically constructed on the beam cross-section. This overcomes the limitations of traditional single-material filters or static combination filters, which can only perform global, fixed modulation. For the first time, it achieves synchronous, independent, and dynamic control of the flux intensity and energy spectrum characteristics of the output neutron beam in each local region of two-dimensional space. This enables beam shaping capabilities to precisely match the dose and energy spectrum requirements of complex three-dimensional tumor target areas, representing a significant technological advancement.

[0034] In some embodiments, the neutronics material segment includes: a first material segment 2, made of a metal or alloy thereof with an atomic number greater than 70, used to attenuate neutron flux through a high neutron absorption cross section; and a second material segment 3, made of a low atomic number moderating material rich in hydrogen or beryllium, used to selectively moderate neutrons in specific energy regions through elastic and inelastic scattering to change the shape of the energy spectrum. The material of the first material segment 2 is selected from one or more alloys of tungsten, lead, and bismuth; the material of the second material segment 3 is selected from one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, and beryllium oxide.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, each composite modulation rod 1 is composed of two material segments with complementary functions.

[0036] The first material segment 2 is made of heavy metal materials with high atomic numbers (Z>70) and extremely large thermal and ultrathermal neutron absorption cross sections, such as tungsten, lead, or bismuth, or alloys (such as tungsten-nickel-iron alloys).

[0037] The second material segment 3 is made of materials rich in light elements such as hydrogen or beryllium, such as high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, or beryllium oxide. Its main function is to effectively reduce the energy of neutrons through elastic and inelastic scattering, i.e., to moderate neutrons. Moder materials of different thicknesses have different moderating effects on neutrons with different initial energies, thus selectively changing the shape of the emitted neutron energy spectrum, making it a spectrum modulation-dominant material segment.

[0038] Typically, the second material segment 3 (moderation segment) is placed at the far end of the rod (to contact the incident beam first), and the first material segment 2 (absorption segment) is placed at the near end of the rod. This sequence allows neutrons to be moderated first (changing the energy spectrum) and then absorbed (adjusting the final flux), making the modulation logic clearer.

[0039] By physically integrating the absorbing and moderating materials onto a single rod, the mechanical structure is simplified. More importantly, this combination allows for continuous adjustment of the contribution ratio of the attenuation and moderation effects of a spatial point to the beam over a wide range using a single continuous positional variable (insertion depth) of the rod. For example, when the rod is completely retracted, there is no beam modulation at that point; when the rod is inserted to the point where only the moderator section enters the beam, it primarily provides energy spectrum softening; and when the rod is further inserted to allow the absorbing section to enter, the flux is further significantly reduced on top of the energy spectrum softening.

[0040] In some embodiments, the composite modulation unit array 13 includes N layers of modulation subarrays arranged in parallel along the beam direction, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; each layer of modulation subarray includes the composite modulation rods 1 arranged in an M×M two-dimensional matrix, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 10.

[0041] To achieve higher resolution and more degrees of freedom control for complex modulation requirements, the composite modulation unit array 13 can adopt a multi-layer subarray structure. For example, two layers (N=2) of subarrays can be set: a first-layer subarray and a second-layer subarray, which are then arranged in parallel along the beam direction (Z direction) at a certain distance (e.g., 10-50cm).

[0042] Each subarray consists of a large number of composite modulation rods arranged in an M×M two-dimensional matrix. For example, if M=32, then a single layer contains 1024 rods. The rods in each subarray can have the same or different material segments. The rods of two subarrays can be aligned or staggered in the beam cross-section (XY plane).

[0043] The multi-layer structure effectively adds a "dimensionality" to the modulation. The combination of two sub-arrays allows for modulation of local beam regions no longer limited to a single material thickness sequence, but rather to the formation of more complex "material-space" filtering combinations. This significantly enhances the device's ability to shape the neutron spectrum, producing richer spectral shapes and more precisely meeting the needs of different spatial regions with varying spectral characteristics (e.g., the tumor center requires predominantly ultrathermal neutrons, while the edges may require a higher proportion of thermal neutrons). Simultaneously, the spatial modulation resolution is improved, facilitating the generation of steeper flux distribution gradients and better protecting surrounding normal tissue.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the composite modulation rod 1 is circular, with a diameter between 5 mm and 30 mm; in the array, the center distance between adjacent composite modulation rods 1 is no greater than 1.5 times their diameter, so as to ensure mechanical movement clearance while enabling the array to basically cover the entire beam cross-section when fully deployed.

[0045] Understandably, the cross-section of the composite modulation rod 1 is designed to be circular, with a diameter d selectable between 15mm and 25mm (covering a range of 5-30mm). The rod body is machined with high precision and has a smooth surface to ensure smooth movement.

[0046] In the array, the center-to-center distance P between adjacent rods is designed to be slightly larger than the rod's diameter, but no more than 1.5 times the diameter (i.e., P ≤ 1.5d). For example, for rods with a diameter of 20 mm, the center-to-center distance can be set to 28 mm. This close arrangement ensures that when all composite modulation rods 1 are moved to their fully inserted positions (i.e., the "unfolded" state), the entire array can almost seamlessly cover the entire cross-section of the neutron beam (e.g., a circular beam spot with a diameter of 30 cm), preventing any beam from passing directly through the gaps between the rods without modulation, thus guaranteeing the integrity of the modulation range.

[0047] In some embodiments, a drive and position sensing system 12 is also included, which includes an independently controllable linear actuator 5 connected to each of the composite modulation rods 1, and a sensor for detecting the position of each composite modulation rod 1; the repeatability of the linear actuator 5 is better than ±0.5 mm.

[0048] Understandably, the drive and position sensing system 12 provides independent motion control and high-precision position feedback for each composite modulation rod 1.

[0049] The linear actuator 5 can be constructed using a high-precision stepper motor or servo motor in conjunction with a ball screw pair, or it can be a linear motor. Each actuator is connected to the drive end of a composite modulation rod 1 via a coupling. The control unit sends pulse or analog signals to each actuator to control its forward and reverse rotation and stroke, thereby driving the composite modulation rod 1 to precisely insert or retract. The repeatability of all actuators must be better than ±0.5mm, preferably ±0.1mm, to ensure the repeatability of the modulation state.

[0050] Position sensors: For example, high-resolution photoelectric encoders or grating rulers are installed on each actuator or rod to monitor the absolute or relative position of the rod in real time and feed the signal back to the control unit to form closed-loop position control.

[0051] A high-precision, independently controllable drive and sensing system is fundamental to achieving the complex coordinated movement of thousands of modulation rods. Positioning accuracy better than ±0.5mm means precise control over the material thickness penetrated by the neutron beam, thereby enabling fine-tuning of flux attenuation and energy spectrum changes. Closed-loop control ensures a high degree of consistency between rod position and commands, eliminating the influence of factors such as mechanical hysteresis, and is a key guarantee for the reliable and precise operation of the device.

[0052] In some embodiments, a beam monitoring unit 14 is further included downstream of the composite modulation unit array 13; the beam monitoring unit 14 includes: a spatially resolved flux detector 4 for acquiring two-dimensional distribution information of neutron flux intensity; and a plurality of discretely arranged spectrometer probes 6 for acquiring neutron energy spectrum information at selected locations on the beam cross section. The characteristic energy spectrum parameters include the ratio of ultrathermal neutron flux to thermal neutron flux, and / or the average neutron energy at the selected location.

[0053] Understandably, the beam monitoring unit 14 is installed downstream of the composite modulation unit array 13 (i.e., on the side closer to the patient) for online, non-destructive monitoring of the shaped neutron beam. The spatially resolved flux detector 4 can be a large-area, pixelated scintillator detector (such as a gadolinium-loaded scintillator plate coupled to a CCD / CMOS camera) or a multi-address fission chamber array. It can acquire a two-dimensional distribution map of the neutron flux intensity across the entire beam cross-section in real time, with a spatial resolution of several millimeters. Several key points (e.g., the center point, four symmetrical edge points) are selected on the beam cross-section, and a miniature multi-foil activation spectrometer or time-of-flight spectrometer probe 6 is arranged. The probe can acquire neutron energy spectrum information at the selected locations. By analyzing the energy spectrum data, key characteristic energy spectrum parameters can be extracted. The beam monitoring unit 14 provides the "eyes" of the device. The spatially resolved flux detector 4 directly verifies whether the flux distribution generated by the device is consistent with the target of the treatment plan. The energy spectrum measurement at multiple discrete points realizes online monitoring of the local energy spectrum characteristics of the treatment beam for the first time. Example 2

[0054] A control method for a flux and energy spectrum co-regulation device for boron neutron capture therapy as described in Example 1 is disclosed in detail in this embodiment. The control method flow of the flux and energy spectrum co-regulation device for boron neutron capture therapy is typically executed by a collaborative intelligent control system (including a high-performance computer and dedicated control software).

[0055] Includes the following steps: S1 Planning Steps: The system receives a data packet from the Treatment Planning System (TPS), containing a 3D model of the tumor target area delineated from the patient's CT images and its depth information. The collaborative intelligent control system runs a built-in inverse optimization algorithm (such as a gradient descent-based algorithm or a genetic algorithm). This algorithm not only aims to achieve a uniform and sufficient absorbed dose in the target area but also specifically considers the specific requirements of different depths and locations for the neutron energy spectrum. After calculation, it outputs a time-series map of the target's two-dimensional spatial flux distribution and a map of the target's two-dimensional characteristic energy spectrum parameters.

[0056] S2 Calculation Steps: The system invokes a pre-established device response model. This model is a dataset or fast proxy model established through extensive Monte Carlo simulations and experimental calibrations, describing "the influence of each composite modulation rod 1 at different insertion depths on the flux and characteristic energy spectrum parameters of its corresponding local beam region." Using this model, the system reverse-engineers the target distribution map generated in S1 through rapid optimization to calculate the target insertion depth command sequence for each composite modulation rod 1 in the array, which is required to make the actual output closest to the target.

[0057] S3 Execution and Control Steps: Feedforward execution: Based on the calculated target depth command, the control system drives each composite modulation rod 1 quickly and accurately to the designated position through the drive and position sensing system 12.

[0058] Feedback Control: During the treatment beam irradiation, the beam monitoring unit 14 operates continuously. The spatially resolved flux detector 4 provides a real-time flux distribution map, and multiple spectrometer probes 6 provide real-time characteristic energy spectrum parameter values. The control system compares the measured signals with the target values ​​in S1 in real time, calculating the flux distribution error and energy spectrum parameter error.

[0059] Coordinated Adjustment: The control system employs a multivariable control algorithm (e.g., Model Predictive Control, MPC), which can simultaneously handle the complex coupling relationships between the position variables of thousands of rods and the two-dimensional flux distribution, as well as the energy spectrum parameters at multiple points. Based on the real-time error, it calculates and generates minute coordinated adjustment commands for the position of each composite modulation rod 1 online, driving the rods to make micro-movements to synchronize and minimize errors in both flux and energy spectrum.

[0060] In this embodiment, the control method integrates advanced inverse treatment planning, precise equipment modeling, and multivariable feedback control. It achieves automated and intelligent transformation from "the patient's three-dimensional anatomical structure" to "thousands of mechanical unit motion commands." In particular, the introduction of feedback based on real-time energy spectrum monitoring during treatment can compensate for the effects of potential slow drift of the beam source, slight patient movement, or uncertainties in tissue composition, achieving truly dynamic, adaptive, dual-objective (flux + energy spectrum) closed-loop control. This significantly improves the accuracy, robustness, and personalization of BNCT treatment. Example 3

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a boron neutron capture therapy system, which sequentially includes: a neutron generation unit 10 (such as an accelerator neutron source or reactor), a beam moderation and collimation unit 11, a flux and energy spectrum coordinated control device as described in this application (i.e., the device in Embodiment 1), and a patient positioning unit 15 (including a treatment bed). The control device is fixed between the outlet of the moderation and collimation unit and the treatment bed by a bracket.

[0062] The entire system is managed uniformly by a collaborative intelligent control system. This system includes the control method software module described in Example 2, and also integrates monitoring and coordination interfaces for subsystems such as the neutron source, collimator, and patient positioning.

[0063] Integrating the control device of this application into a standard boron neutron capture therapy system constitutes an intelligent beam-shaping boron neutron capture therapy system. This upgrades the existing system from providing a "uniform standard beam" to providing a "customized spatial-spectral composite beam." The collaborative intelligent control system directs the entire system to operate centered on the patient, ultimately dynamically shaping the optimal therapeutic beam based on the unique characteristics of each patient and each tumor site. This is expected to significantly improve the therapeutic effect of boron neutron capture therapy and expand its indications, representing a significant advancement in the precision and intelligence of boron neutron capture therapy technology.

[0064] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flux and spectrum collaborative regulation device for boron neutron capture therapy, arranged at the end of the neutron beam transmission path, used for shaping the wide spectrum neutron beam, characterized in that, Comprising: a composite modulation unit array, the array being composed of a plurality of composite modulation rods capable of independent linear motion along a direction parallel to the beam axis, wherein each of the composite modulation rods is fixedly connected by at least two segments of neutron-physical material with different neutron reaction cross sections and moderation capabilities along its motion direction; a driving and position sensing system, comprising independently controllable linear actuators connected to each of the composite modulation rods, and sensors for detecting the position of each composite modulation rod; a beam monitoring unit arranged downstream of the composite modulation unit array; the beam monitoring unit comprising: a spatially resolved flux detector for obtaining two-dimensional distribution information of the neutron flux intensity; and a plurality of discretely arranged spectrometer probes for obtaining and analyzing the neutron spectrum information at selected positions of the beam cross section to obtain characteristic spectral parameters. The segments of neutron-physical material comprise:

2. The flux and spectrum co-modulation device for boron neutron capture therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that, a first material segment made of a metal or an alloy thereof with an atomic number greater than 70 for attenuating the neutron flux by a high neutron absorption cross section; a second material segment made of a low-atomic-number moderating material rich in hydrogen or beryllium for selectively moderating neutrons in a specific energy range by elastic and inelastic scattering to change the spectral shape. The material of the first material segment is selected from an alloy of one or more of tungsten, lead, and bismuth; the material of the second material segment is selected from one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, and beryllium oxide.

3. The flux and spectrum co-modulation device for boron neutron capture therapy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The composite modulation unit array comprises N layers of modulation sub-arrays arranged in parallel along the beam direction in sequence, N being an integer greater than or equal to 2; each layer of modulation sub-array comprises the composite modulation rods arranged in an MxM two-dimensional matrix, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 10.

4. The flux and spectrum co-modulation device for boron neutron capture therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross section of the composite modulation rod is circular with a diameter of between 5mm and 30mm; in the array, the center-to-center distance between adjacent composite modulation rods is not greater than 1.5 times the diameter, thereby ensuring a mechanical motion gap while enabling the array to cover the entire beam cross section when fully deployed.

5. The flux and spectrum co-modulation device for boron neutron capture therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear actuators have a positioning accuracy better than ±0.5mm.

6. The flux and spectrum co-modulation device for boron neutron capture therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The characteristic spectral parameters include the ratio of epithermal neutron flux to thermal neutron flux, and / or the average neutron energy at the selected positions.

7. The flux and spectrum co-modulation device for boron neutron capture therapy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps:

8. A control method of the flux and energy spectrum synergic regulation device for boron neutron capture therapy according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, S1 planning step: determining the two-dimensional spatial flux distribution target and characteristic spectral parameter distribution target required for the neutron beam based on three-dimensional information of the patient's tumor target region; S2 solving step: converting the flux distribution target and spectral parameter distribution target into target position instructions for each composite modulation rod in the composite modulation unit array based on a pre-established device response model; S3 execution and control step: driving the composite modulation rods to the target positions; during treatment, the flux distribution and characteristic spectral parameters of the neutron beam are monitored in real time and compared with the target values, and the positions of the composite modulation rods are dynamically adjusted according to the comparison results to achieve coordinated control of the flux and spectrum. The flux and spectrum coordinated control device for boron neutron capture therapy is integrated between the beam moderation and collimation unit and the patient positioning unit.

9. A boron neutron capture therapy system comprising a neutron generating unit, a beam current slowing and collimating unit, and a patient positioning unit, characterized by, ​

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