Cancer treatment device, cancer treatment system, method for operating cancer treatment device, and method for estimating magnetic flux density by cancer treatment device

Abstract

To perform treatment using a simple device.SOLUTION: A cancer treatment device which applies a magnetic field to a living body, comprises: a magnetic field generation unit; a power supply unit that supplies an alternating current to the magnetic field generation unit; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generation unit according to the alternating current supplied from the power supply unit, in a state where the living body is placed within the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit; an estimation unit that estimates, from a single acquisition result obtained by the acquisition unit, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body; and a control unit that controls operation of the cancer treatment device on the basis of the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body estimated by the estimation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cancer treatment device, a cancer treatment system, a method for operating a cancer treatment device, and a method for estimating magnetic flux density by a cancer treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a cancer treatment device that generates an AC magnetic field by passing an AC current through a coil and applies the generated AC magnetic field to diseased tissue to suppress the proliferation of cancer cells, etc.

[0003] In a cancer treatment device, it is preferable to monitor the strength and cumulative application time of the magnetic field applied to the affected area in order to suppress the proliferation of cancer cells in the affected area, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for estimating the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the affected area of ​​a patient during treatment and monitoring the strength and cumulative application time of the magnetic field applied to the affected area. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, information regarding the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field in the magnetic field generating unit is acquired before treatment when the affected area is not placed on the magnetic field generating unit, and information regarding the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field near the magnetic field generating unit is acquired during treatment when the affected area is placed on the magnetic field generating unit. The magnetic flux density of the magnetic field to be applied to the affected area during treatment is then estimated using both acquired results. The technology described in Patent Document 1 requires information regarding the magnetic flux density both when the affected area is not placed and when it is placed, which complicates the treatment procedure and leaves room for improvement.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide treatment with a simple device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A cancer treatment device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a cancer treatment device that applies a magnetic field to a living body, and includes: a magnetic field generating unit; a power supply unit that supplies an alternating current to the magnetic field generating unit; an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit in response to the alternating current supplied from the power supply unit when the living body is placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit; an estimation unit that estimates the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body from a single acquisition result by the acquisition unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the cancer treatment device based on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body estimated by the estimation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, treatment can be performed using a simple device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing a state in which a cancer treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a cancer treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used, viewed from the patient's head side. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a cancer treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a magnetic field generating unit included in the cancer treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic cutaway perspective view of a coil included in the cancer treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a first example of a cancer treatment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a second example of the cancer treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a cancer treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a cancer treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a control unit included in the cancer treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit included in the cancer treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of the shape of a coil. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the shape of the coil. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the shape of the coil. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a magnetic field generated from a coil. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of the magnetic flux density of a magnetic field generated by a coil with multiple turns. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by a coil with multiple turns. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between distance and magnetic flux density. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the results obtained by the obtaining unit and the magnetic flux density at the center position of the coil. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between a set AC current, a set magnetic flux density, and a set frequency. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the magnetic flux density at the center position of the coil and the set value. [Figure 22] 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation of the cancer treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation of the cancer treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing a third example of the operation of the cancer treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the operation of the cancer treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a cancer treatment device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit included in a cancer treatment apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit included in a cancer treatment apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of a filter processing unit included in the cancer treatment apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of a frequency analysis unit included in the cancer treatment apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. To facilitate understanding, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale.

[0010] Misalignment in directions such as parallel, right-angled, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up-down, left-right, etc. is permitted to the extent that it does not impair the effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The shape of the corners is not limited to right angles and may be rounded like an arch. Parallel, right-angled, orthogonal, horizontal, and vertical may include approximately parallel, approximately right-angled, approximately orthogonal, approximately horizontal, and approximately vertical.

[0011] In the following explanation, for ease of understanding, the arrangement and configuration of each part will be explained using an xyz Cartesian coordinate system. The three axes in the xyz Cartesian coordinate system are mutually perpendicular. In the xyz Cartesian coordinate system, the direction in which the x-axis extends is referred to as the "x-direction," the direction in which the y-axis extends is referred to as the "y-direction," and the direction in which the z-axis extends is referred to as the "z-direction." The direction in which the arrow indicating the x-axis points is referred to as the +x-direction, and the direction opposite to the +x-direction is referred to as the -x-direction. The direction in which the arrow indicating the y-axis points is referred to as the +y-direction, and the direction opposite to the +y-direction is referred to as the -y-direction. The direction in which the arrow indicating the z-axis points is referred to as the +z-direction, and the direction opposite to the +z-direction is referred to as the -z-direction. The +z-direction is referred to as the top, and the -z-direction is referred to as the bottom. Viewing an object from the +z-direction is called a top view. A view of an object viewed from the +z-direction is called a top view. The term "placed" does not necessarily mean direct contact, but also includes indirect placement, for example, via another member.

[0012] [Embodiment] <Configuration of cancer treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure> The configuration of a cancer treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing an example of a state in which a cancer treatment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used. FIG. 2 is a schematic view seen from the head side of a patient showing an example of a state in which a cancer treatment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing an example of a state in which a cancer treatment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a magnetic field generating unit 100 included in a cancer treatment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective cutaway view showing an example of a coil 100a included in a cancer treatment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] The cancer treatment device 10 is a device that treats cancer by applying a magnetic field to a living body P. For example, the cancer treatment device 10 applies a magnetic field generated by a coil included in the magnetic field generating unit 100 to the living body P, and treats cancer by at least one of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and reducing the number of cancer cells in the affected area of ​​the living body.

[0014] The cancer treatment device 10 can treat cancer without using a heat-generating medium. Furthermore, the cancer treatment device 10 treats cancer not by a thermal effect using the heat-generating action of a magnetic field, but by directly applying a magnetic field to the affected area using the magnetic field generating unit 100. From another perspective, the cancer treatment device 10 can treat cancer by placing the affected area in a magnetic field space generated by the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating unit 100, without using a heat-generating medium or relying on a thermal effect using the heat-generating action of a magnetic field.

[0015] The living body P includes not only people with cancer, but also pets such as dogs and cats with cancer, or domestic animals such as livestock. Note that the expression "applying a magnetic field to the living body P" may be replaced with the expression "linking a magnetic flux to the living body P."

[0016] 1 to 3, a cancer treatment device 10 includes a magnetic field generating unit 100 that generates a magnetic field to be applied to an affected area, and a power supply unit 101 that supplies current to the magnetic field generating unit 100. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cancer treatment device 10 also includes a matching unit 102, a cooling unit 103, and a table 106 on which a patient P is placed. The affected area illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is the head of the patient P.

[0017] The magnetic field generating unit 100 generates an AC magnetic field. The power supply unit 101 supplies an AC current to the magnetic field generating unit 100. The cancer treatment device 10 can apply the AC magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 to the affected area of ​​the patient P. The power supply unit 101 supplies a stable current at a target resonance frequency, for example, 230 kHz, to the magnetic field generating unit 100 via the matching unit 102. The magnetic field generating unit 100 converts the current supplied from the power supply unit 101 into a magnetic field by electromagnetic induction.

[0018] The power supply unit 101 supplies a current for generating a magnetic field to the magnetic field generating unit 100. The power supply unit 101 is connected to a power supply PS, which is, for example, a commercial power supply. The power supply unit 101 uses the power supplied from the power supply PS to generate an AC current, for example, at a frequency between 100 kHz and 300 kHz. The power supply unit 101 supplies the generated AC current to the magnetic field generating unit 100 via a matching unit 102. The power supply unit 101 also adjusts the current so that the magnetic field generating unit 100 generates an AC magnetic field with a desired magnetic flux density.

[0019] The matching unit 102 matches the impedance between the power supply unit 101 and the magnetic field generating unit 100. The matching unit 102 includes a known resonant circuit such as a series circuit or a parallel circuit configured with an inductor, a capacitor, and a resistor. The matching unit 102 has a control function of adjusting the frequency so that the magnetic field generating unit 100 always outputs the maximum current. The matching unit 102 supplies a stable current to the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0020] When a current is supplied from the power supply unit 101 via the matching unit 102, the magnetic field generating unit 100 generates an AC magnetic field at the position where the affected area is located, for example, at the center of the coil of the magnetic field generating unit 100. The magnetic flux density of the AC magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 is, for example, 10 to 30 mT. The AC magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 may have a substantially constant strength, or may have a pattern in which a waveform with a specified magnitude of change is repeated for a predetermined period of time. In other words, the AC magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 may have a pattern in which a waveform with a specified magnitude of change, including a substantially constant strength, is repeated for a predetermined period of time.

[0021] The cooling unit 103 supplies a coolant to cool the magnetic field generating unit 100. The magnetic field generating unit 100 generates heat when it receives a current from the power supply unit 101. The cancer treatment device 10 cools the magnetic field generating unit 100 with the coolant supplied by the cooling unit 103.

[0022] The cooling unit 103 supplies a coolant that cools the magnetic field generating unit 100. The cooling unit 103 also recovers the coolant that has cooled the magnetic field generating unit 100. The cooling unit 103 circulates the coolant while maintaining a constant temperature. The cooling unit 103 is, for example, a chiller. The cooling unit 103 is connected to a power supply PS, which is, for example, a commercial power supply. The cooling unit 103 cools the coolant using power from the power supply PS. The cooling unit 103 supplies the coolant that cools the magnetic field generating unit 100 to the magnetic field generating unit 100. The coolant may be, for example, water, water with antifreeze added, or an inert liquid such as a fluorinated liquid.

[0023] The cooling unit 103 supplies the cooling liquid to the manifold 104 through a hose 105. The manifold 104 supplies the cooling liquid supplied by the cooling unit 103 to the magnetic field generating unit 100. The manifold 104 also recovers the supplied cooling liquid from the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0024] The cancer treatment device 10 may branch the coolant supplied from the cooling unit 103 at the manifold 104 and supply the coolant to, for example, the power supply unit 101 and the matching unit 102. That is, the cancer treatment device 10 uses the coolant supplied from the cooling unit 103 to At least one of the matching unit 102 and the matching unit 103 may be cooled.

[0025] The cancer treatment device 10 includes a non-conductive buffer material 109 on a mounting table 106. If the mounting table 106 contains metal, the AC magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 may interlink with the metal, generating eddy currents, which may cause the mounting table 106 to heat up. To prevent the mounting table 106 from heating up, the cancer treatment device 10 includes the non-conductive buffer material 109 to space the mounting table 106 a sufficient distance away from the magnetic field generating unit 100. The patient P lies supine on the non-conductive buffer material 109. For example, assume that the affected area of ​​the patient P is a brain tumor, such as a glioblastoma in the head. The patient P inserts his / her head into the magnetic field generating unit 100. The magnetic field generating unit 100 has a shape that allows the patient P's head to be inserted therein. The magnetic field generating unit 100 applies a magnetic field to the patient P's head.

[0026] The configuration of the magnetic field generating unit 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic field generating unit 100 has a coil 100a. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic field generating unit 100 also has a pipe 100b. The materials constituting each of the coil 100a and the pipe 100b include conductive materials. Each of the coil 100a and the pipe 100b is made of a hollow tubular member. The coil 100a has a cylindrical shape. FIG. 4 shows a cylindrical coil 100a as an example. However, each of the coil 100a and the pipe 100b is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, an elliptical cylindrical shape or a rectangular cylindrical shape. Note that,

[0027] The coil 100a has a spiral shape. The patient P inserts the affected area into the inside 100ai of the coil 100a. Pipes 100b are connected to both ends of the coil 100a. The cancer treatment device 10 can apply a magnetic field to the affected area placed inside the coil 100a.

[0028] Temperature-controlled coolant supplied by a cooling unit 103 flows inside the coil 100a and the pipe 100b. Furthermore, current flows through the coil 100a and the pipe 100b from a power supply unit 101 via a matching unit 102. Heat generated by the current flowing through the coil 100a and the pipe 100b is cooled by the coolant flowing inside the coil 100a and the pipe 100b. The coil 100a and the pipe 100b are kept at a constant temperature by being cooled by the coolant.

[0029] Next, the insulating structure of the coil 100a will be described. If the patient P comes into contact with the coil 100a, he or she may receive an electric shock. The coil 100a has an insulating structure to prevent electric shock. Figure 5 is a cutaway perspective view of the magnetic field generating unit 100 in the cancer treatment device 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 shows a square cylindrical coil 100a as an example.

[0030] The coil 100a includes a metal pipe 100a1, an insulating sheet 100a2, and a protective sheet 100a3. The metal pipe 100a1 is made of a metal, such as copper. The insulating sheet 100a2 is made of insulating tape, such as polyimide tape. The protective sheet 100a3 is made of an insulating sheet, such as a glass sheet. The coil 100a includes the insulating sheet 100a2 and the protective sheet 100a3 around the metal pipe 100a1, and the insulating sheet 100a2 and the protective sheet 100a3 protect the metal pipe 100a1. The insulating sheet 100a2 and the protective sheet 100a3 also insulate the metal pipe 100a1 from the patient P, etc.

[0031] Note that a protective material such as cloth or rubber may be further provided on the outside of protective sheet 100a3 provided on coil 100a. By providing a protective material such as cloth or rubber on the outside of protective sheet 100a3 provided on coil 100a, insulation from the human body can be reliably maintained.

[0032] [First embodiment] Next, a cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment will be described. Note that the same names and symbols as those in the previously described embodiments indicate the same or equivalent components or configurations, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0033] <Configuration of the cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure> The configuration of the cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a first example of the cancer treatment device 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a second example of the cancer treatment device 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first example shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic field generating unit 100 does not have a cover 110. In the second example shown in FIG. 7, the magnetic field generating unit 100 has a cover 110. The first and second examples have the same configuration except for the presence or absence of the cover 110. FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the cancer treatment device 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the cancer treatment device 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] The cancer treatment device 10a according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 130 that acquires information about the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 in response to the alternating current supplied from the power supply unit 101, and a control unit 200 that controls the operation of the cancer treatment device 10a based on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field estimated from the acquisition results by the acquisition unit 130.

[0035] 6 and 7, the cancer treatment device 10a includes a housing 140 in which the power supply unit 101 and the matching unit 102 are disposed, a first support member 141 that supports the magnetic field generating unit 100, and a second support member 142 that supports the acquiring unit 130. The magnetic field generating unit 100 and the acquiring unit 130 are disposed on the housing 140.

[0036] 8 and 9, a patient P is placed on a placement table 106. The head, which is the affected part PT of the patient P, is placed inside the coil 100a of the magnetic field generating unit 100. The cancer treatment device 10a applies the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 to the affected part PT. With the affected part PT placed on the magnetic field generating unit 100, the cancer treatment device 10a can estimate the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the affected part PT from a single acquisition result by the acquiring unit 130.

[0037] Here, in a cancer treatment device, it is preferable to monitor the strength and cumulative application time of the magnetic field applied to the affected area in order to suppress the proliferation of cancer cells in the affected area, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for estimating the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the affected area of ​​a patient during treatment and monitoring the strength and cumulative application time of the magnetic field applied to the affected area.

[0038] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, information about the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field at the magnetic field generating unit is measured before treatment when the affected area is not placed on the magnetic field generating unit, and information about the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field near the magnetic field generating unit is acquired during treatment when the affected area is placed on the magnetic field generating unit. Then, using both acquired results, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field to be applied to the affected area during treatment is estimated. In other words, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, information about the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field is acquired twice in total, once when the affected area is not placed and once when the affected area is placed. Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, an acquisition unit such as a magnetic field measuring unit is moved by a movement mechanism to change the state from acquiring information about the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field at the magnetic field generating unit to acquiring information about the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field near the magnetic field generating unit. The technology described in Patent Document 1 requires two acquisitions by the acquisition unit and movement of the acquisition unit, which complicates the treatment procedure, leaving room for improvement. Furthermore, there is room for improvement in the fact that measurement errors in the magnetic flux density occur depending on the accuracy of the movement of the acquisition unit by the movement mechanism.

[0039] In the cancer treatment device 10a according to this embodiment, when the affected area PT is placed on the magnetic field generating unit 100, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field to be applied to the affected area PT is estimated from the result of one acquisition by the acquiring unit 130. There is no need to perform the procedure of switching between a state where the affected area is not placed and a state where the affected area is placed. Furthermore, in the cancer treatment device 10a, the acquiring unit 130 is not moved by a movement mechanism. As described above, in this embodiment, the treatment procedure can be simplified. Furthermore, since there is no measurement error due to the movement accuracy of the acquiring unit 130, the estimation accuracy of the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the affected area PT can be improved.

[0040] The configuration of the cancer treatment apparatus 10a, the method for obtaining the obtained results, and the method for estimating the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the diseased part PT will be described in detail below.

[0041] The acquiring unit 130 acquires information about the magnetic flux density, including the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100, i.e., the height of the magnetic flux density, and the frequency of the magnetic field. Information about the magnetic flux density can be, for example, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 outside the area where the affected part of the living body is placed to apply the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100. The acquiring unit 130 only needs to be able to measure information about the magnetic flux density in at least one axial direction. The acquiring unit 130 can use a search coil, a gaussmeter, a Hall element, a magnetoresistance effect element, or the like.

[0042] The acquisition unit 130 is disposed at a predetermined distance d from the coil 100a at a position where the acquisition unit 130 intersects with a central axis A0 along the axial direction of the coil 100a. More specifically, "the position where the acquisition unit 130 intersects with the central axis A0" means that the detection surface of a search coil, a gaussmeter, a Hall element, a magnetoresistance effect element, or the like that constitutes the acquisition unit 130 intersects with the central axis A0. The result acquired by the acquisition unit 130 may be the value of the magnetic flux density itself, or may be a value such as a voltage or current that can be converted to magnetic flux density.

[0043] In the cancer treatment device 10a, a strong magnetic field is generated in the coil 100a of the magnetic field generating unit 100. The cancer treatment device 10a treats the affected area PT by applying a magnetic field from the magnetic field generating unit 100 to the affected area PT while the affected area PT is placed in the coil 100a. In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, a patient P is placed in a supine position on a table 106, and the affected area P, i.e., the head, is placed in the coil 100a of the magnetic field generating unit 100. In order to protect the patient P from dangerous currents and voltages, the cancer treatment device 10a may be provided with a cover 110 that covers the periphery of the magnetic field generating unit 100, as shown in the second example of Figure 7.

[0044] 8 and 9 is communicably connected to the display unit 300. When the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the affected area PT does not satisfy a predetermined standard, the control unit 200 can perform at least one of the following: stop the generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generating unit 100; notify the operator of the cancer treatment device 10a that the predetermined standard is not satisfied; and display a message on the display unit 300 asking whether or not to change the set value of the AC current to one that satisfies the standard. In addition, the control unit 200 can set the magnitude and supply time of the AC current supplied from the power supply unit 101, control the operation of the acquisition unit 130, etc.

[0045] The display unit 300 displays various information such as information about the magnetic field applied to the diseased part PT or information about the operation of the cancer treatment apparatus 10a.

[0046] (Configuration of control unit 200) The configuration of the control unit 200 included in the cancer treatment apparatus 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 200 included in the cancer treatment apparatus 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 200 included in the cancer treatment apparatus 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] (Hardware configuration) 10, the control unit 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a read-only memory (ROM) 202, and a random access memory (RAM) 203. The control unit 200 also includes a hard disk drive (HDD) / solid state drive (SSD) 204 and a communication interface (I / F) 205. These are connected to each other via a system bus S so that they can communicate with each other.

[0048] The CPU 201 executes control processing including various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM 202 stores programs used to drive the CPU 201, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The HDD / SSD 204 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various data, programs, etc. The data stored in the HDD / SSD 204 is information related to magnetic flux density acquired by the acquisition unit 130, etc. The communication I / F 205 is an interface for communication between the control unit 200 and devices or apparatuses other than the control unit 200. The communication I / F 205 may communicate with devices or apparatuses other than the control unit 200 via a network, etc.

[0049] (Functional configuration) As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 200 has an input unit 21, a storage unit 22, an estimation unit 23, a determination unit 24, a magnetic field generation control unit 25, a display control unit 26, a change unit 27, and an output unit 28.

[0050] The functions of the input unit 21 and the output unit 28 are realized by the communication I / F 205, etc. Note that some of the functions of the input unit 21 and the output unit 28 may be realized by the CPU 201 executing processes defined in programs stored in the ROM 202, etc. The functions of the estimation unit 23, the determination unit 24, the magnetic field generation control unit 25, the display control unit 26, and the change unit 27 are realized by the CPU 201 executing processes defined in programs stored in the ROM 202, etc. The function of the storage unit 22 is realized by the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the HDD / SSD 204, etc.

[0051] Some of the functions of the control unit 200 may be realized by a device or apparatus other than the control unit 200. Furthermore, some of the functions of the control unit 200 may be realized by distributed processing between the control unit 200 and a device or apparatus other than the control unit 200. An example of the device other than the control unit 200 is the acquisition unit 130. An example of the apparatus other than the control unit 200 is an external PC (Personal Computer). Furthermore, some of the functions of the control unit 200 may be realized by one or more processing circuits. This processing circuit is an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like designed to execute each of the above functions.

[0052] The input unit 21 controls communication with the acquisition unit 130 to input a single acquisition result Bg of information related to magnetic flux density acquired by the acquisition unit 130 from the acquisition unit 130. The input unit 21 also controls communication with an operation unit included in the cancer treatment device 10a to accept operation input by the operator of the cancer treatment device 10a. The input unit 21 passes the acquisition result Bg to the estimation unit 23. The input unit 21 also passes the operation input by the operator to the change unit 27. The input unit 21 may pass the acquisition result Bg to the estimation unit 23 via the storage unit 22.

[0053] The storage unit 22 stores a set value I0 of the AC current, information T about the shape of the coil 100a, and information d about the distance from the coil 100a to the acquisition unit 130. The set value I0 of the AC current is a preset value of the current value of the AC current supplied to the magnetic field generating unit 100. The storage unit 22 also stores information E about the reference for the magnetic flux density Be of the magnetic field applied to the affected area PT, which is referenced by the determination unit 24. The set value I0 of the AC current, the information T about the shape, the information d about the distance, and the information E about the reference are determined in advance and stored in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 may store information other than the information T about the shape, the information d about the distance, and the information E about the reference.

[0054] The estimation unit 23 acquires the set value I0 of the AC current, the shape P of the coil 100a, and the distance d from the storage unit 22. The estimation unit 23 also acquires the acquisition result Bg from the acquisition unit 130. The estimation unit 23 estimates the magnetic flux density Be of the magnetic field applied to the affected area PT at the center position C0 of the coil 100a based on the set value I0 of the AC current, the shape P of the coil 100a, the distance d, and a single acquisition result Bg obtained by the acquisition unit 130. The cancer treatment device 10a can obtain the magnetic flux density Be from a single acquisition result Bg through estimation by the estimation unit 23. The center position C0 of the coil 100a is the center position of the coil 100a in the axial direction and also the center position in the radial direction. The set value I0 of the AC current corresponds to the current value of the AC current. However, the current value of the AC current may be a detected value of the AC current supplied to the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0055] By disposing the acquisition unit 130 at a position intersecting the central axis A0 along the axial direction of the coil 100a, the estimation unit 23 can accurately estimate the magnetic flux density Be of the magnetic field applied to the affected area PT at the central position C0 of the coil 100a using a calculation method described below. Note that the vicinity of the housing 140 may be affected by metal contained in the housing 140 or electrical circuits disposed within the housing 140. Therefore, depending on the required accuracy, the acquisition unit 130 may be disposed at a position that does not intersect with the central axis A0. Specifically, the detection surfaces of the search coil, gaussmeter, Hall element, magnetoresistance effect element, etc. that constitute the acquisition unit 130 may be shifted in the x- or z-direction so that the acquisition unit 130 is disposed at a position that does not intersect with the central axis A0. The estimation unit 23 can estimate the magnetic flux density Be even when the acquisition unit 130 is disposed at a position that does not intersect with the central axis A0.

[0056] The determination unit 24 refers to the storage unit 22 and acquires information E relating to the criteria for the magnetic flux density Be of the magnetic field applied to the affected part PT. The determination unit 24 determines whether the magnetic flux density Be of the magnetic field applied to the affected part PT satisfies a predetermined criterion. The determination unit 24 shown in FIG. 11 determines whether the magnetic flux density Be estimated by the estimation unit 23 satisfies a predetermined criterion. The determination of whether the predetermined criterion is satisfied is, for example, a determination of whether the magnetic flux density Be falls within a range from a lower limit value to an upper limit value of the information E relating to the criterion. The determination unit 24 passes a determination result H to at least one of the magnetic field generation control unit 25 and the display control unit 26.

[0057] The magnetic field generation control unit 25 stops the generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generating unit 100 when the magnetic flux density Be of the magnetic field applied to the affected part PT does not satisfy a predetermined standard based on the determination result H by the determination unit 24. Note that the magnetic field generation control unit 25 may perform an operation other than the operation of stopping the generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0058] When the magnetic flux density Be of the magnetic field applied to the affected area PT does not satisfy a predetermined standard based on the determination result H by the determination unit 24, the display control unit 26 notifies the operator of the cancer treatment device 10a that the predetermined standard is not satisfied. For example, the display control unit 26 notifies the operator of the cancer treatment device 10a that the predetermined standard is not satisfied by displaying at least one of textual information and graphic information indicating that the predetermined standard is not satisfied on the display unit 300. The display control unit 26 can also display at least one of textual information and graphic information asking whether or not to change the set value I0 of the AC current to one that satisfies the predetermined standard on the display unit 300. The operator of the cancer treatment device 10a can recognize that the magnetic flux density Be of the magnetic field applied to the affected area PT does not satisfy the predetermined standard by visually checking at least one of the textual information and graphic information displayed on the display unit 300.

[0059] When the display control unit 26 causes the display unit 300 to display at least one of text information and graphic information asking whether to change the AC current setting value I0 to one that satisfies the criteria, the change unit 27 changes the AC current setting value I0 to one that satisfies the criteria in response to an operation input by the operator. The change unit 27 shown in Fig. 11 can change the AC current setting value I0 stored in the storage unit 22 to the AC current setting value I0 that satisfies the criteria.

[0060] The output unit 28 controls communication with the magnetic field generating unit 100, thereby outputting a magnetic field control signal Q1 generated by the magnetic field generation control unit 25 to the magnetic field generating unit 100. The output unit 28 also controls communication with the display unit 300, thereby outputting a display control signal Q2 generated by the display control unit 26 to the display unit 300.

[0061] (Shape of the coil 100a and magnetic field generated from the coil 100a) The shape of the coil 100a of the magnetic field generating unit 100 included in the cancer treatment device 10a and the magnetic field generated from the coil 100a will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 15. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a first example of the shape of the coil 100a. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of the shape of the coil 100a. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a third example of the shape of the coil 100a. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the magnetic field generated from the coil 100a.

[0062] 12 to 14 show the coil 100a as viewed from the axial direction of the cylindrical coil 100a. In a first example shown in FIG. 12, the outer shape of the coil 100a as viewed from the axial direction of the coil 100a is approximately circular. In a second example shown in FIG. 13, the outer shape of the coil 100a as viewed from the axial direction of the coil 100a is approximately elliptical. In a third example shown in FIG. 14, the outer shape of the coil 100a as viewed from the axial direction of the coil 100a is approximately rectangular with curved corners. However, the coil 100a may have any shape to match the shape of the affected part PT, and may have a shape other than the shapes shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, such as an approximately square or an approximately rectangular shape without curved corners. Furthermore, the actual coil 100a does not have the completely closed shape shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, but has a partially open shape including an end to which current is input and an end to which current is output. Furthermore, the coil 100a may have multiple turns instead of a single turn. In the case of multiple turns, the coil 100a may have various shapes such as a spiral shape.

[0063] 15 shows an example of the magnetic flux density generated when a current is passed through a coil 100a whose outer shape is approximately circular when viewed axially of the coil 100a. On the xy plane, the radius of the coil 100a is r, the current flowing through the coil is I, the infinitesimal line segment vector on the coil 100a is Δs, the coordinates of point P located at a height a vertically above the center of the circle are (0,0,a), the distance between Δs and point P is c, and the magnetic flux density generated at point P by the infinitesimal line segment is ΔB. From Biot-Savart's law, the magnetic flux density ΔB can be expressed by the following equation (1) where μ is the magnetic permeability.

[0064]

number

[0065] The magnetic flux density ΔB is formed in the direction of an angle θ from the vertically upward direction. The current flowing through the coil 100a can be expressed by the following equation (2) due to its symmetry.

[0066]

number

[0067] If the outer shape of coil 100a as viewed in the axial direction of coil 100a is other than approximately circular, the calculation will be more complicated than when it is approximately circular, but it can still be found using Biot-Savart's law.

[0068] (Magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the multi-turn coil 100a) The magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the multiple-turn coil 100a will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a diagram showing a first example of the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the multiple-turn coil 100a. Figure 17 is a diagram showing a second example of the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the multiple-turn coil 100a.

[0069] The first example shown in Figure 16 is the magnetic flux density when each turn of the multi-turn coil 100a is in the same position. The second example shown in Figure 17 is the magnetic flux density when each turn of the multi-turn coil 100a is spaced apart. Although Figure 17 shows a simplified diagram with each turn separated, in reality, each turn is connected.

[0070] The number of turns is N, the spacing between turns is b, the distance from the center position of coil 100a to each turn from the first turn to the Nth turn of coil 100a is an (a1 to aN), the distance from the center position of coil 100a to the center position of coil 100a of the entire N turns of coil 100a is d, and the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated at position d is B.

[0071] In the first example shown in Figure 16, b = 0 and the distances an are all the same value, so the magnetic field is N times the magnetic field described with reference to Figure 15, and the magnetic flux density B can be expressed by the following equation (3).

[0072]

number

[0073] In the second example shown in FIG. 17, the distance an is different, so the magnetic flux density Bn of the magnetic field generated from each turn can be expressed by the following equation (4).

[0074]

number

[0075] Strictly speaking, there are connected parts depending on how coil 100a is wound, so there is a discrepancy between the values ​​calculated by equations (3) and (4) and the actual values, but the impact of the discrepancy is small unless it is the magnetic flux density in the vicinity of coil 100a.

[0076] (Relationship between distance and magnetic flux density) Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between distance and magnetic flux density. Fig. 18 is a graph showing the relationship between the magnetic field and distance described with reference to Figs. 15 to 17. The magnetic flux density B attenuates as the distance d increases. At positions farther from the coil 100a, the magnetic flux density B attenuates in accordance with a cube function of the distance d. The acquisition result Bg acquired by the acquisition unit 130 is attenuated with respect to the magnetic flux density Be at the center position C0 of the coil 100a.

[0077] 18 corresponds to the distance from the center position C0 of the coil 100a to the acquisition unit 130 when the acquisition unit 130 is placed at a position that does not intersect with the central axis A0. When the affected area PT is placed at the center position C0 of the coil 100a, for example, there is a possibility that the end of the affected area PT may extend outside the coil 100a by several tens of millimeters. In this case, it is preferable that the acquisition unit 130 be placed at a position that does not interfere with the end of the affected area PT.

[0078] (Relationship between the result acquired by the acquisition unit 130 and the magnetic flux density at the center position of the coil 100a) Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the result Bg obtained by the obtaining unit 130 and the magnetic flux density B at the center position C0 of the coil 100a. In Fig. 19, graph 191 shows an example of the result Bg obtained by the obtaining unit 130. Graph 192 shows an example of the magnetic flux density B at the center position C0 of the coil 100a.

[0079] 19, the acquisition result Bg acquired by the acquisition unit 130 at a position distance d from the center position C0 of the coil 100a is the magnetic flux density attenuated according to the distance d. Therefore, by converting the acquisition result Bg into the magnetic flux density before attenuation according to the distance d, the magnetic field at the center position C0 of the coil 100a can be estimated.

[0080] If the obtained result is Bg and the magnetic flux density at the center position C0 of the coil 100a is Be, when the coil 100a is in the state of the first example shown in Figure 16, the magnetic flux density Be can be expressed by the following equation (5).

[0081]

number

[0082] On the other hand, when the coil 100a is in the state of the second example shown in FIG. 17, the magnetic flux density Be can be expressed by the following equation (6).

[0083]

number

[0084] The phase of the estimated magnetic flux density Be may be shifted from the graph shown in FIG. 19, but this does not pose any problems.

[0085] (Relationship between set AC current, set magnetic flux density, and set frequency) Table 1 shows an example of the relationship between the set AC current, the set magnetic flux density, and the set frequency. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the set AC current, the set magnetic flux density, and the set frequency.

[0086] [Table 1]

[0087] In the cancer treatment device 10a, a set AC current is set for the required magnetic flux density in the coil 100a. When an AC current is passed at the set AC current In, a magnetic flux density Bn is generated. In the example shown in Table 1, the frequency is set to a fixed value f0. In reality, the value of Bn may vary due to errors in the shape of the coil 100a, aging of components in the cancer treatment device 10a, or the operating environment. Even when treatment is attempted at magnetic flux density Bn, if an error occurs and the value falls outside the reference value Bn±α, the intended treatment may not be performed or danger may occur. Therefore, it is preferable to set a reference range Bn±α for the set current In and determine whether or not to continue treatment if the value falls outside that range. The same applies to frequency.

[0088] (Relationship between magnetic flux density at center position C0 of coil 100a and set value I0) FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the magnetic flux density at the center position C0 of the coil 100a and the set value I0.

[0089] Whether or not to continue treatment can be determined based on whether or not the estimated result of magnetic flux density Be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19 is within the reference range of the set magnetic field described with reference to Figure 20. If magnetic flux density Be is within the reference range, it is determined that there is no problem in continuing treatment, and treatment can be continued. On the other hand, if magnetic flux density Be is outside the reference range, it is determined that a problem has occurred, and it is determined whether or not to continue treatment.

[0090] When the magnetic flux density Be is out of the reference range, the control unit 200 performs at least one of the following: stopping the generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generating unit 100; notifying the operator of the cancer treatment device 10a that the predetermined criterion is not satisfied; and displaying at least one of textual information and graphic information asking whether to change the set value I0 of the AC current to one that satisfies the criterion on the display unit 300. When the cancer treatment device 10a automatically changes the set value I0 of the AC current to one that satisfies the criterion, the set value I0 can be changed to a value obtained by multiplying the set value I0 by B / Be because the AC current supplied to the magnetic field generating unit 100 is proportional to the magnetic flux density generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0091] <Operation of the cancer treatment device 10a and treatment method using the cancer treatment device 10a> (Example 1) Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing a first example of the operation of the cancer treatment apparatus 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The cancer treatment apparatus 10a starts the operation shown in Fig. 22 when, for example, an operation input for starting treatment is received via the operation unit.

[0092] First, in step S11, the cancer treatment apparatus 10a causes the magnetic field generating unit 100 to generate a magnetic field.

[0093] Subsequently, in step S12, the cancer treatment apparatus 10a obtains, by the obtaining unit 130, an obtained result Bg of information on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 in response to the AC current supplied from the power supply unit 101.

[0094] Next, in step S13, the cancer treatment device 10a estimates, using the estimation unit 23, the magnetic flux density Be of the magnetic field applied to the affected area PT from the single acquisition result Bg obtained by the acquisition unit 130 when the affected area PT is placed on the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0095] Subsequently, in step S14, the cancer treatment device 10a determines whether or not the magnetic flux density Be satisfies a predetermined standard using the determination unit 24. If it is determined in step S14 that it does not satisfy the predetermined standard (step S14, NO), the cancer treatment device 10a causes the magnetic field generation control unit 25 to stop the generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generating unit 100 in step S15. Thereafter, the cancer treatment device 10a proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that it satisfies the predetermined standard (step S14, YES), the cancer treatment device 10a proceeds to step S16.

[0096] Subsequently, in step S16, the cancer treatment device 10a determines whether or not to terminate the treatment using the control unit 200. For example, the cancer treatment device 10a determines to terminate the treatment when an operation input indicating that the treatment should be terminated is made by the operator via the operation unit. If it is determined not to terminate in step S16 (step S16, NO), the cancer treatment device 10a performs the operations from step S12 onwards again until it is determined to terminate. On the other hand, if it is determined to terminate in step S16 (step S16, YES), the cancer treatment device 10a terminates the operation.

[0097] In this way, the cancer treatment device 10a applies a magnetic field to the affected area PT to perform treatment, and when the magnetic flux density Be does not satisfy a predetermined standard, can stop the generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generating unit 100. Note that, after the magnetic field generation control unit 25 stops the generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generating unit 100 in step S15, the cancer treatment device 10a may end its operation without proceeding to step S14.

[0098] (Example 2) Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation of the cancer treatment apparatus 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that duplicated explanations of the same operations as those in the first example shown in Fig. 22 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0099] In step S24, when the determination unit 24 determines that the magnetic flux density Be does not satisfy the predetermined standard (step S24, NO), in step S25, the cancer treatment device 10a notifies the operator of the cancer treatment device 10a that the standard is not satisfied by the display control unit 26. For example, the display control unit 26 causes the display unit 300 to display at least one of text information and graphic information indicating that the standard is not satisfied. Thereafter, the cancer treatment device 10a proceeds to step S16.

[0100] In this manner, the cancer treatment device 10a applies a magnetic field to the affected area PT to perform treatment, and if the magnetic flux density Be does not meet a predetermined standard, it can notify the operator of the cancer treatment device 10a that the standard is not met.

[0101] (Example 3) Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing a third example of the operation of the cancer treatment apparatus 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that duplicated explanations of the same operations as those in the first example shown in Fig. 22 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0102] In step S34, if the determination unit 24 determines that the magnetic flux density Be does not satisfy the predetermined standard (step S34, NO), in step S35, the cancer treatment device 10a causes the display control unit 26 to display at least one of text information and graphic information asking whether to change the set value I0 of the AC current on the display unit 300. Thereafter, the cancer treatment device 10a proceeds to step S36.

[0103] In this way, the cancer treatment device 10a applies a magnetic field to the affected area PT to perform treatment, and if the magnetic flux density Be does not satisfy a predetermined standard, it can display at least one of textual information and graphic information on the display unit 300 asking whether to change the set value I0 of the AC current.

[0104] (Example 4) Fig. 25 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the operation of the cancer treatment apparatus 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that duplicated explanations of the same operations as those in the first example shown in Fig. 22 will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0105] In step S44, if the judgment unit 24 judges that the magnetic flux density Be does not satisfy the predetermined standard (step S44, NO), in step S45, the cancer treatment device 10a causes the display control unit 26 to display at least one of text information and graphic information on the display unit 300 asking whether to change the set value I0 of the AC current.

[0106] Subsequently, in step S45, the cancer treatment device 10a determines by the control unit 200 whether or not the operator has selected "change." If it is determined in step S45 that it has not been selected (step S45, NO), the cancer treatment device 10a proceeds to step S48. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has been selected (step S45, YES), the cancer treatment device 10a changes the set value I0 of the AC current by the changing unit 27 in step S47. Thereafter, the cancer treatment device 10a proceeds to step S48.

[0107] In this way, the cancer treatment device 10a applies a magnetic field to the affected area PT to perform treatment, and if the magnetic flux density Be does not satisfy a predetermined standard and the operator selects to change the set value I0 of the AC current, the cancer treatment device 10a can change the AC current supplied to the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0108] [Second embodiment] Next, a cancer treatment apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 26 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a cancer treatment apparatus 10b according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] The cancer treatment apparatus 10b according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is different from the cancer treatment apparatus 10a according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure mainly in that it has a plurality of acquisition units 130.

[0110] In the example shown in Fig. 26, the cancer treatment device 10b has four acquisition units 130. The four acquisition units 130 are arranged at positions that are approximately symmetrical about the central axis A0. None of the four acquisition units 130 intersects with the central axis A0. In this case, too, the magnetic flux density ΔB is expressed by the above-mentioned formula (1) according to the Biot-Savart law, with magnetic permeability being μ0.

[0111] The number of acquisition units 130 is not limited to four and can be selected as appropriate. The arrangement of the multiple acquisition units 130 can also be selected as appropriate. The multiple acquisition units 130 may all have the same configuration, or at least one may have a different configuration.

[0112] 27 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control unit 200 included in a cancer treatment apparatus 10b according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The control unit 200 has an averaging processing unit 29 and an abnormality detection unit 30. The functions of the averaging processing unit 29 and the abnormality detection unit 30 may be included in equipment or devices other than the control unit 200. Four acquisition results Bg1 to Bg4 corresponding to the four acquisition units 130 are input to the control unit 200 from the four acquisition units 130.

[0113] The averaging processing unit 29 calculates an average value Ba of the four acquisition results Bg1 to Bg4. The averaging processing unit 29 passes the average value Ba to the estimation unit 23. The estimation unit 23 can estimate the magnetic flux density Be applied to the diseased part PT based on this average value Ba. By estimating the magnetic flux density Be based on the average value Ba, the cancer treatment device 10b can suppress the influence of noise and estimate the magnetic flux density Be with high accuracy.

[0114] The abnormality detection unit 30 detects an abnormality in at least one of the acquisition units 130 and the magnetic field generation unit 100 based on the acquisition results Bg from each of the multiple acquisition units 130. For example, if the acquisition result Bg from only one of the four acquisition units 130 is 0, the abnormality detection unit 30 can detect that an abnormality has occurred in that one acquisition unit 130. Alternatively, if the acquisition results Bg from all four acquisition units 130 are 0, the abnormality detection unit 30 can detect that an abnormality has occurred in the coil 100a.

[0115] When an abnormality occurs in any of the four acquisition units 130, the cancer treatment device 10b may perform averaging processing by the averaging processor 29 using the acquisition results Bg of the other acquisition units 130 that are not abnormal. Note that, when there is only one acquisition unit 130 that is not abnormal, the cancer treatment device 10b may estimate the magnetic flux density Be applied to the affected area PT based on the acquisition results Bg of the acquisition unit 130 that is not abnormal, without performing averaging processing by the averaging processor 29.

[0116] [Third embodiment] Next, a cancer treatment apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 28 to 30. Fig. 28 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control unit 200 included in a cancer treatment apparatus 10c according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a filter processing unit included in a cancer treatment apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a frequency analysis unit included in a cancer treatment apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] The control unit 200 includes a filter processing unit 31 and a frequency analysis unit 32. The functions of the filter processing unit 31 and the frequency analysis unit 32 may be provided in a device or apparatus other than the control unit 200.

[0118] The filter processing unit 31 removes components other than those with frequencies corresponding to the frequency of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100. Here, FIG. 29 shows an example of the acquisition result Bg obtained by the acquiring unit 130. The acquisition result Bg shown in FIG. 29 contains noise Ns such as distortion from a sine wave and amplitude fluctuations. As the noise Ns in the acquisition result Bg increases, the estimation error of the magnetic flux density Be increases. The filter processing unit 31 can reduce the noise Ns in the acquisition result Bg by removing components other than those with frequencies corresponding to the frequency of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0119] The filter processing unit 31 can perform low-pass filtering to remove high-frequency components corresponding to noise, or band-pass filtering to pass only components in the treatment frequency band, etc. The filter may be an analog filter using an electric circuit, or a digital filter that performs processing by software.

[0120] The frequency analysis unit 32 extracts peak frequencies and peak values ​​in the frequency components of the acquisition result Bg obtained by the acquisition unit 130. Here, FIG. 30 shows how the peak frequencies fp and peak values ​​Lp are extracted from the frequency components of the acquisition result Bg by the acquisition unit 130. In the example shown in FIG. 30, noise occurs at frequencies other than the peak frequency fp used in treatment. By estimating the magnetic flux density Be using the peak frequency fp and peak value Lp extracted by the frequency analysis unit 32 as the acquisition result Bg, it is possible to estimate the magnetic flux density Be with the influence of noise Ns reduced. It is desirable that the peak frequency fp be in a frequency band with a certain degree of width.

[0121] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0122] For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cancer treatment system. The cancer treatment system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cancer treatment device 10a and an information processing device communicatively connected to the cancer treatment device 10a. The information processing device is, for example, a PC. The cancer treatment device 10a includes a magnetic field generation unit 100 and a power supply unit 101. The cancer treatment system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit 130 and a control unit 200. With the affected area PT placed on the magnetic field generation unit 100, the cancer treatment system estimates the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the affected area PT from a single acquisition result Bg obtained by the acquisition unit 130. The cancer treatment system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can also achieve the same effects as the cancer treatment device 10a.

[0123] All numbers such as ordinal numbers and quantities used in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated numbers. Furthermore, the connection relationships between components are provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and do not limit the connection relationships that realize the functions of the present disclosure.

[0124] Aspects of the present disclosure are, for example, as follows. <1> A cancer treatment device that applies a magnetic field to a living organism, comprising: a magnetic field generating unit; a power supply unit that supplies an alternating current to the magnetic field generating unit; an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generating unit in response to the alternating current supplied from the power supply unit when the living organism is placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit; an estimation unit that estimates the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living organism from a single acquisition result by the acquisition unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the cancer treatment device based on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living organism estimated by the estimation unit. <2> The information about the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field is the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit outside the area where the living body is placed. <1> The cancer treatment device is as described above. <3> the magnetic field generating unit includes a coil, and the estimating unit estimates the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body at a center position of the coil based on a current value of the AC current, a shape of the coil, a distance from the coil to the acquiring unit, and a result of one acquisition by the acquiring unit; <1> The cancer treatment device is as described above. <4> The acquisition unit is disposed at a position intersecting a central axis along the axial direction of the cylindrical coil, and at a predetermined distance from the coil. <3> The cancer treatment device is as described above. <5> When the estimated magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body does not satisfy a predetermined standard, the control unit performs at least one of stopping generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generating unit, notifying an operator of the cancer treatment device that the predetermined standard is not satisfied, and displaying at least one of text information and graphic information on a display unit asking whether or not to change the setting value of the AC current to one that satisfies the standard. <1> From the above <4> The cancer treatment device is described in any one of the above. <6> when the control unit causes a display unit to display at least one of character information and graphic information inquiring whether to change the set value of the AC current to one that satisfies the criterion, the control unit changes the set value of the AC current to one that satisfies the criterion in response to an operation input by an operator; <5> The cancer treatment device is as described above. <7> an averaging processing unit that acquires an average value of the results acquired by each of the plurality of acquisition units, and estimates the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body from the average value; <1> From the above <6> The cancer treatment device is described in any one of the above. <8> The apparatus includes a plurality of the acquisition units, and an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality in at least one of the acquisition units and the magnetic field generation unit based on the results acquired by each of the plurality of acquisition units. <1> From the above <7> The cancer treatment device is described in any one of the above. <9> a filter processing unit that removes components other than those of a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit, <1> From the above <8> The cancer treatment device is described in any one of the above. <10> a frequency analysis unit that extracts a peak frequency and a peak value in the frequency component of the result of acquisition by the acquisition unit; <1> From the above <9> The cancer treatment device is described in any one of the above. <11> A cancer treatment system having a cancer treatment device and an information processing device communicatively connected to the cancer treatment device, wherein the cancer treatment device has a magnetic field generating unit and a power supply unit that supplies AC current to the magnetic field generating unit, and the cancer treatment system has an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generating unit in response to the AC current supplied from the power supply unit when a living body is placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit, an estimation unit that estimates the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body from a single acquisition result by the acquisition unit, and a control unit that controls the operation of the cancer treatment device based on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field estimated by the estimation unit. <12> A method for operating a cancer treatment device, comprising the steps of: generating a magnetic field by a magnetic field generating unit including a coil in the cancer treatment device; acquiring information on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit to which an alternating current is supplied by an acquiring unit; estimating the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field from a result acquired by the acquiring unit once in a state in which a living body is placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit by the cancer treatment device; and controlling the operation of the cancer treatment device based on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body estimated by the estimating unit by a control unit. <13> A method for estimating magnetic flux density by a cancer treatment device, comprising: a step of generating a magnetic field by a magnetic field generating unit including a coil in the cancer treatment device; a step of acquiring information on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit to which an alternating current is supplied by an acquiring unit; and a step of estimating the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field from a result acquired by the acquiring unit once while a living body is placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit, by an estimating unit, wherein the estimating unit estimates the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body at the center position of the coil based on the current value of the alternating current, the shape of the coil, the distance from the coil to the acquiring unit, and the result acquired by the acquiring unit once.

[0125] The present disclosure is not limited to the configurations described herein, such as combinations of the configurations described in the above embodiments with other elements, etc. These points can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, and can be appropriately determined depending on the application form. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10, 10a, 10b Cancer treatment device 100 magnetic field generating unit 100a coil 100ai inside 100a1 Metal piping 100a2 insulation sheet 100a3 protective sheet 100b pipe 101 Power supply section 102 Matching section 103 Cooling section 104 Manifold 105 Hose 106 Mounting table 109 Non-conductive buffer material 110 Cover 130 Acquisition Department 191, 192 graphs 200 control section 21 Input section 22 Preservation Department 23 Estimation part 24 Judgment section 25 Magnetic field generation control unit 26 Display control unit 27 Changes 28 Output section 29 Averaging processing section 30 Abnormality detection unit 31 Filter processing section 32 Frequency analysis section 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 HDD / SSD 205 Communication I / F a Distance from the center of the coil to each turn b interval Bg, Bg1~Bg4 acquisition results Be magnetic flux density d distance E. Information on standards H judgment result I0 AC current setting value N number of turns Ns noise P patient PT affected area S System Bus T-shape information [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0127] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-163906

Claims

1. A cancer treatment device that applies a magnetic field to a living body, a magnetic field generating unit; a power supply unit that supplies an AC current to the magnetic field generating unit; an acquisition unit that acquires information about a magnetic flux density of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit in response to the AC current supplied from the power supply unit when the living body is placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit; an estimation unit that estimates a magnetic flux density of a magnetic field applied to the living body from a single acquisition result by the acquisition unit; a control unit that controls the operation of the cancer treatment device based on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body estimated by the estimation unit.

2. 2. The cancer treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field is the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit outside a region where the living body is placed.

3. the magnetic field generating unit includes a coil, 2. The cancer treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body at the center position of the coil based on the current value of the alternating current, the shape of the coil, the distance from the coil to the acquisition unit, and a single acquisition result by the acquisition unit.

4. The cancer treatment device according to claim 3 , wherein the acquisition unit is disposed at a position intersecting a central axis along the axial direction of the cylindrical coil, and a predetermined distance away from the coil.

5. 3. The cancer treatment device according to claim 1, wherein, when the estimated magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, the control unit performs at least one of the following: stopping generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generating unit; notifying an operator of the cancer treatment device that the predetermined criterion is not satisfied; and displaying at least one of textual information and graphic information on a display unit asking whether or not to change the setting value of the AC current to one that satisfies the criterion.

6. 6. The cancer treatment device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit changes the setting value of the AC current to satisfy the criteria in response to an operation input by an operator when at least one of textual information and graphical information asking whether to change the setting value of the AC current to satisfy the criteria is displayed on the display unit.

7. A plurality of the acquisition units are included, an averaging processing unit that acquires an average value of the results acquired by each of the plurality of acquisition units, 3. The cancer treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body is estimated from the average value.

8. A plurality of the acquisition units are included, 3. The cancer treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality in at least one of the acquisition unit and the magnetic field generation unit based on the results of acquisition by each of the plurality of acquisition units.

9. 3. The cancer treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising a filter processing unit that removes components other than those of a frequency corresponding to a frequency of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit.

10. The cancer treatment device according to claim 1 , further comprising a frequency analysis unit that extracts peak frequencies and peak values ​​in frequency components of the results obtained by the acquisition unit.

11. A cancer treatment system comprising a cancer treatment device and an information processing device communicably connected to the cancer treatment device, The cancer treatment device includes: a magnetic field generating unit; a power supply unit that supplies an AC current to the magnetic field generating unit, The cancer treatment system comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires information about the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit in response to the AC current supplied from the power supply unit when a living body is placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit; an estimation unit that estimates a magnetic flux density of a magnetic field applied to the living body from a single acquisition result by the acquisition unit; A cancer treatment system comprising: a control unit that controls the operation of the cancer treatment device based on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field estimated by the estimation unit.

12. 1. A method of operating a cancer treatment device, comprising: generating a magnetic field by a magnetic field generating unit including a coil; acquiring, by an acquisition unit, information regarding the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit to which an alternating current is supplied; a step of estimating, by an estimation unit, a magnetic flux density of the magnetic field from a result of one acquisition by the acquisition unit in a state in which a living body is placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit in the cancer treatment device; A method for operating a cancer treatment device, comprising a step of controlling, by a control unit, the operation of the cancer treatment device based on the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body estimated by the estimation unit.

13. A method for estimating magnetic flux density by a cancer treatment device, comprising: generating a magnetic field by a magnetic field generating unit including a coil; acquiring, by an acquisition unit, information regarding the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit to which an alternating current is supplied; and estimating, by an estimation unit, a magnetic flux density of the magnetic field from a result of one acquisition by the acquisition unit in a state where a living body is placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit, A method for estimating magnetic flux density using a cancer treatment device, in which the estimation unit estimates the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the living body at the center position of the coil based on the current value of the AC current, the shape of the coil, the distance from the coil to the acquisition unit, and a single acquisition result by the acquisition unit.

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