Cancer treatment device and power supply device

Abstract

To provide a power supply device and a magnetic field generation system capable of applying an appropriate alternating magnetic field.SOLUTION: A cancer treatment device includes a magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field, and a control unit that controls the magnetic field generation unit, in which the alternating magnetic field includes a plurality of different frequency spectra, and the control unit temporally changes an intensity of at least one of the plurality of different frequency spectra to temporally change an intensity of the alternating magnetic field to be applied to cancer cells.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cancer treatment device and a power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Cancer treatment devices using various therapies have been proposed. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 listed below propose cancer treatment devices using dielectric heating or heat therapy that applies heat to tumor cells by generating heat in a target material due to dielectric heating. These cancer treatment devices use a method of magnetically heating by generating a magnetic field using a coil placed near the surface of the patient's body.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 below proposes a cancer treatment device that uses electric field therapy to apply an electric field to cancer cells. In this cancer treatment device, the electric field is applied by attaching electrodes to the surface of the patient's body. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, the applicant has discovered that applying an alternating magnetic field of a specific frequency to cancer cells has a certain effect in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, and is considering a cancer treatment device that uses a therapy different from the above-mentioned heat therapy and electric field therapy.

[0005] There are various types of cancer, and even within the same type of cancer, the properties of cancer cells vary. Furthermore, it can be difficult to apply a strong magnetic field from outside the body to cancers deep inside the body. Therefore, to improve the effectiveness of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, it is necessary to apply an alternating magnetic field with appropriate frequency components and strength.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device and a magnetic field generating system that can apply an appropriate alternating magnetic field. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cancer treatment device is provided, comprising a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field, and a control unit that controls the magnetic field generating unit, wherein the alternating magnetic field includes a plurality of different frequency spectra, and the control unit changes the intensity of at least one of the plurality of different frequency spectra over time, thereby changing the intensity of the alternating magnetic field applied to cancer cells over time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to each embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply device and a magnetic field generating system that can apply an appropriate alternating magnetic field. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a magnetic field generation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a magnetic field generating device. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the direction of magnetic field lines of a magnetic field generating device and the affected area. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a control unit of the power supply device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of waveform information. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a waveform generating unit realized in a control unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of a unit waveform pattern. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing an example of a unit waveform pattern. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a third diagram showing an example of a unit waveform pattern. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing an example of a unit waveform pattern. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of a current waveform signal. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface provided by a control unit. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a magnetic field application process by the magnetic field generation system. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a magnetic field generation system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the direction of magnetic field lines of a magnetic field generating device and the affected area. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing another configuration example of the magnetic field generating device. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing another configuration example of the magnetic field generating device. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a third diagram showing another configuration example of the magnetic field generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Each embodiment will be described in detail below. In describing the specification and drawings relating to each embodiment, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

[0011] [First embodiment] <System configuration of magnetic field generation system> First, the system configuration of the magnetic field generation system according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the magnetic field generation system according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the magnetic field generation system 100 includes a magnetic field generator 110 and a power supply device 120, and is used in medical treatment of tumors.

[0012] The magnetic field generator 110 has a coil formed in a spiral shape and a core, and generates an alternating magnetic field when an alternating current is applied by the power supply device 120.

[0013] Power supply device 120 requires power supply unit 130 and control unit 140. Power supply unit 130 receives a current waveform signal transmitted from control unit 140 and outputs an AC current corresponding to the received current waveform signal. Based on the received current waveform signal, power supply unit 130 converts commercial power into AC current with a high frequency of 100 kHz to 400 kHz and outputs it.

[0014] A waveform generation program is installed in the control unit 140, and by executing this program, the control unit 140 functions as a waveform generation unit 150. The waveform generation unit 150 reads waveform information from the waveform information storage unit 160 and generates a current waveform signal based on the read waveform information. The waveform generation unit 150 also transmits the generated current waveform signal to the power supply unit 130. This allows the control unit 140 to control the AC current that the power supply unit 130 applies to the magnetic field generating device 110.

[0015] <Configuration of magnetic field generating device> Next, a specific configuration of the magnetic field generator 110 will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a magnetic field generator. Fig. 2(a) shows the magnetic field generator 110 as viewed from the front side, and Fig. 2(b) shows the magnetic field generator 110 as viewed from the rear side. Fig. 2(c) shows the magnetic field generator 110 of Fig. 2(a) cut along the AA cross section and viewed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the cut surface.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2(a), the magnetic field generator 110 has a coil 210 made of a spirally wound Litz wire that has low loss at high frequencies. In the example of Fig. 2(a), the coil 210 is shown as if it is wound with a certain gap between the wires to clearly show that it is spirally wound, but in reality, the coil 210 is wound without any gaps.

[0017] 2(b), the magnetic field generator 110 has six cores 220 arranged on the back side of the coil 210. The six cores 220 are arranged radially outward from the center of the spiral coil 210. In a cross section where the cores 220 are arranged (for example, cross section AA in FIG. 2(a)), the coil 210 and the cores 220 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the coil 210, as shown in FIG. 2(c). By adopting such a cross-sectional arrangement, the magnetic field generated in the coil 210 can be concentrated in the central portion of the magnetic field generator 110, thereby reducing leakage magnetic fields.

[0018] 2, the magnetic field generator 110 has a housing that houses the coil 210 and the core 220. In this way, the magnetic field generator 110 is configured so that the coil 210 and the core 220 do not come into direct contact with the patient.

[0019] <Direction of magnetic field lines and positional relationship with affected area> Next, we will explain the positional relationship between the direction of magnetic field lines and the affected area of ​​a patient when an alternating magnetic field is generated by magnetic field generator 110. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the direction of magnetic field lines of the magnetic field generator and the affected area.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the magnetic field generating device 110 is placed near an affected area 311 of a patient 310 lying on his back on a bed 301 (in the example of Fig. 3(a), at the position of the back of the patient 310). In the state shown in Fig. 3(a), an alternating current is applied to the magnetic field generating device 110 to generate an alternating magnetic field, thereby applying an alternating magnetic field to the affected area 311.

[0021] 3, in this embodiment, the z-axis direction is the body axis direction of a patient 310 lying on his back on the bed 301, and the y-axis direction is the direction from the back of the patient 310 toward the abdomen. Also, the x-axis direction is the direction from the left side to the right side of the patient 310.

[0022] Fig. 3(b) is a diagram showing the direction of magnetic field lines in the BB cross section when an alternating magnetic field is generated in the magnetic field generator 110 in the state shown in Fig. 3(a). As shown in Fig. 3(b), by adjusting and positioning the magnetic field generator 110 so that the affected area 311 of the patient 310 is positioned in the normal direction (y-axis direction) to the center of the coil 210, it is possible to pass magnetic field lines (dashed lines in Fig. 3(b)) through the affected area 311 of the patient 310.

[0023] The strength of the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 110 and applied to the affected area is, for example, 10 [mT] or more, and preferably 40 [mT] or more.

[0024] <Hardware configuration of the control unit> Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the control unit 140 of the power supply device 120. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit of the power supply device.

[0025] 4, the control unit 140 has a central processing unit (CPU) 401, a read only memory (ROM) 402, and a random access memory (RAM) 403. The CPU 401, the ROM 402, and the RAM 403 form a so-called computer.

[0026] The control unit 140 also includes an auxiliary storage unit 404, a display unit 405, an operation unit 406, a connection unit 407, an external I / F (Interface) unit 408, and a drive unit 409. The hardware components of the control unit 140 are connected to one another via a bus 410.

[0027] The CPU 401 is a computing device that executes various programs (for example, a waveform generation program) installed in the auxiliary storage unit 404 .

[0028] The ROM 402 is a non-volatile memory. The ROM 402 functions as a main storage device that stores various programs, data, etc. required for the CPU 401 to execute various programs installed in the auxiliary storage unit 404. Specifically, the ROM 402 functions as a main storage device that stores boot programs such as a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and an EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface).

[0029] The RAM 403 is a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The RAM 403 functions as a main storage device that provides a working area in which various programs installed in the auxiliary storage unit 404 are expanded when the CPU 401 executes them.

[0030] The auxiliary storage unit 404 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various programs and information used when the various programs are executed. For example, the waveform information storage unit 160 is realized in the auxiliary storage unit 404.

[0031] The display unit 405 is a display device that displays a screen or the like provided by the waveform generating unit 150. The operation unit 406 is an input device that is used to input various instructions to the control unit 140. The connection unit 407 is a connection device that connects the power supply unit 130 and the control unit 140.

[0032] The external I / F unit 408 is a connection device for connecting to any external device. Note that some of the hardware components of the control unit 140 (for example, the auxiliary storage unit 404, the display unit 405, the operation unit 406, the drive unit 409, etc.) may be connected via the external I / F unit 408 instead of being included in the control unit 140.

[0033] The drive unit 409 is a device for loading a recording medium 420. The recording medium 420 here includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, or a magneto-optical disk. The recording medium 420 may also include semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as a ROM or flash memory.

[0034] The various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage unit 404 are installed, for example, by setting the distributed recording medium 420 in the drive unit 409 and reading out the various programs recorded on the recording medium 420 by the drive unit 409. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage unit 404 may be installed by being downloaded from a network.

[0035] <Example of waveform information> Next, a description will be given of the waveform information stored in the waveform information storage unit 160. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of waveform information. As shown in Fig. 5, waveform information 500 includes information items such as "waveform type," "frequency spectrum," and "waveform data."

[0036] "Waveform type" stores information indicating the type of waveform (simply expressed in Roman numerals in the example of Figure 5). The types of waveform here include frequencies (waveforms) that are effective in inhibiting the proliferation of specific types of cancer cells. Therefore, instead of storing Roman numerals as information indicating the type of waveform, "waveform type" may store, for example, the frequency itself. Alternatively, information indicating the type of cancer in which cancer cell proliferation is inhibited may be stored.

[0037] "Frequency spectrum" stores the frequency spectrum of the waveform data stored in the corresponding "waveform data." According to waveform information 500, the frequency of waveform data 501 with "waveform type"="I" is "f1," and the frequency of waveform data 502 with "waveform type"="II" is "f2." Also, according to waveform information 500, the frequency of waveform data 503 with "waveform type"="III" is "f3." "Waveform data" stores waveform data 501, 502, 503, etc., of each frequency.

[0038] In addition, examples of frequencies that are effective in suppressing the proliferation of specific types of cancer cells include the following: Glioblastoma: 227 [kHz] Malignant melanoma: 196 [kHz] Tongue cancer: 196[kHz] Breast cancer: 280[kHz] Therefore, for example, the above frequencies are assigned to the frequencies f1, f2, and f3 in the waveform information 500.

[0039] Note that even within the same type of cancer, there are variations in the properties of cancer cells. For this reason, in order to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, it is desirable to provide different magnetic field application modes even for the same type of cancer, for example, as described below. Glioblastoma mode 1: 196 [kHz] Glioblastoma mode 2: 227 [kHz] Glioblastoma mode 3: 280 [kHz] <Functional configuration of the waveform generation unit realized in the control unit> Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the waveform generating unit 150 realized in the control unit 140. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the waveform generating unit realized in the control unit. As shown in Fig. 6, the waveform generating unit 150 has a combination target acquiring unit 601, a combination method acquiring unit 602, a unit waveform generating unit 603, and an output unit 604.

[0040] When generating a unit waveform pattern by combining a plurality of waveform data, the combination target acquisition unit 601 acquires information for identifying the waveform data to be combined. The combination target acquisition unit 601 also notifies the unit waveform generation unit 603 of the acquired information.

[0041] The combination target acquiring unit 601 acquires information for identifying waveform data to be combined based on instructions from a medical professional such as a doctor who operates the magnetic field generating system 100, for example.

[0042] As information for identifying the waveform data to be combined, the medical professional may specify, for example, information indicating the type of waveform stored in the "waveform type" of the waveform information 500. Alternatively, the medical professional may directly specify the frequency or frequency range of the waveform data to be combined. Alternatively, the medical professional may specify the type of cancer for which the proliferation of cancer cells is to be inhibited.

[0043] The combination method acquisition unit 602 acquires information instructing a method for combining waveform data when generating a unit waveform pattern by combining a plurality of waveform data, and notifies the unit waveform generation unit 603 of the information.

[0044] The information indicating the combination method acquired by the combination method acquisition unit 602 includes the following: A method of combining waveform data by linking them along the time axis, - A method of combining waveform data to be combined by superimposing them in the same time period. The information includes instructions for either

[0045] The information indicating the combination method acquired by the combination method acquisition unit 602 includes the following: -Method of combining waveform data with different intensities -Method of combining waveform data to be combined at the same intensity, The information includes information indicating either of the above methods and the magnitude of the intensity.

[0046] Furthermore, the information indicating the combination method acquired by the combination method acquisition unit 602 includes, when combining waveform data to be combined by linking them along the time axis, - A method of combining waveform data so that each data has a different time length, - A method of combining waveform data so that each data has the same time length. The information includes information indicating the ratio of the time lengths and the method of either method.

[0047] Furthermore, the information indicating the combination method acquired by the combination method acquisition unit 602 includes information indicating the time (application time) from the start to the end of output of the current waveform signal.

[0048] The unit waveform generating section 603 generates a "unit waveform pattern" of a predetermined length of time, which is made by combining waveform data to be combined.

[0049] Specifically, the unit waveform generating section 603 reads out waveform data from the waveform information storage section 160 based on information that specifies the waveform data to be combined, acquired by the combination target acquiring section 601 .

[0050] The waveform unit generating unit 603 generates a waveform unit pattern by combining the read waveform data based on the information indicating the combination method acquired by the combination method acquiring unit 602. The waveform unit generating unit 603 then notifies the output unit 604 of the generated waveform unit pattern.

[0051] The output unit 604 generates and outputs a current waveform signal for the application time by connecting along the time axis the unit waveform patterns generated by the unit waveform generating unit 603. This allows the power supply unit 130 to repeatedly apply an AC current having the unit waveform pattern to the magnetic field generating device 110 for the application time.

[0052] <Explanation of unit waveform patterns> Next, specific examples (four specific examples here) of unit waveform patterns generated by unit waveform generating section 603 will be described.

[0053] (1) Unit waveform pattern 1 Fig. 7 is a first diagram showing an example of a unit waveform pattern. The example in Fig. 7 shows a case where waveform data with frequency = "f1", waveform data with frequency = "f2", and waveform data with frequency = "f3" are identified as waveform data to be combined (see graph 700).

[0054] The example of FIG. 7 shows a case where a method of combining waveform data to be combined at the same intensity is instructed (see graph 700).

[0055] The unit waveform generating section 603 reads out the waveform data 501, 502, and 503 from the waveform information storage section 160. Based on the read out waveform data 501, 502, and 503, the unit waveform generating section 603 generates a unit waveform pattern 701 or a unit waveform pattern 702 of a predetermined length of time.

[0056] Here, unit waveform pattern 701 is a unit waveform pattern when a method of combining waveform data 501, 502, and 503 to be combined by superimposing them in the same time period is instructed.

[0057] On the other hand, unit waveform pattern 702 is a unit waveform pattern when a method of combining the target waveform data 501, 502, and 503 by linking them along the time axis is instructed. Note that, according to the example of Fig. 7, unit waveform pattern 702 also indicates that a method of combining the waveform data 501, 502, and 503 so that they have the same time length (t1 = t2 = t3).

[0058] In the case of a method of superimposing and combining waveforms as in unit waveform pattern 701, the magnetic fields of each frequency component are always applied, which makes it possible to shorten the time required to achieve the same effect compared to a method of linking and combining waveforms along the time axis as in unit waveform pattern 702.

[0059] (2) Unit waveform pattern 2 Fig. 8 is a second diagram showing an example of a unit waveform pattern. The example in Fig. 8 shows a case where waveform data included in the frequency range from frequency="f1" to frequency="f3" is specified as the waveform data to be combined (see graph 800).

[0060] The example of FIG. 8 shows a case where a method of combining waveform data to be combined at the same intensity is instructed (see graph 800).

[0061] The unit waveform generating unit 603 reads out waveform data of each frequency from waveform data 501 to waveform data 503 from the waveform information storage unit 160. Furthermore, the unit waveform generating unit 603 generates a unit waveform pattern 801 of a predetermined length of time based on the read waveform data of each frequency.

[0062] Unit waveform pattern 801 is a unit waveform pattern when a method of combining waveform data of each frequency from waveform data 501 to waveform data 503 by linking them along the time axis is instructed. Note that, according to the example of Fig. 8, unit waveform pattern 801 also indicates that a method of combining each waveform data set so that they have the same time length (t1 = = tn).

[0063] (3) Unit waveform pattern 3 Fig. 9 is a third diagram showing an example of a unit waveform pattern. The example in Fig. 9 shows a case where waveform data with frequency = "f1", waveform data with frequency = "f2", and waveform data with frequency = "f3" are identified as waveform data to be combined (see graph 900).

[0064] The example of FIG. 9 shows a case where a method of combining waveform data to be combined at different intensities is instructed (see graph 900).

[0065] The unit waveform generating unit 603 acquires waveform data 501', 502, and 503' from the waveform information storage unit 160. Note that waveform data 501' is waveform data acquired by correcting waveform data 501 read from waveform information storage unit 160 in accordance with the specified intensity. Similarly, waveform data 503' is waveform data acquired by correcting waveform data 503 read from waveform information storage unit 160 in accordance with the specified intensity.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 9, the unit waveform generating section 603 generates a unit waveform pattern 901 of a predetermined length of time based on the acquired waveform data 501', 502, and 503'.

[0067] Waveform pattern 901 is a waveform pattern obtained by specifying a method of combining waveform data 501', 502, and 503' by linking them along the time axis. The example in Fig. 9 further indicates that waveform pattern 901 specifies a method of combining waveform data so that each data piece has the same time length (t1 = t2 = t3).

[0068] (4) Unit waveform pattern 4 Fig. 10 is a fourth diagram showing an example of a unit waveform pattern. The example in Fig. 10 shows a case where waveform data with frequency = "f1", waveform data with frequency = "f2", and waveform data with frequency = "f3" are specified as waveform data to be combined (see graph 1000).

[0069] The example of FIG. 10 shows a case where a method of combining waveform data to be combined at different intensities is instructed (see graph 1000).

[0070] The unit waveform generating unit 603 acquires waveform data 501, 502', and 503' from the waveform information storage unit 160. Note that waveform data 502' is waveform data acquired by correcting waveform data 502 read from waveform information storage unit 160 in accordance with the specified intensity. Similarly, waveform data 503' is waveform data acquired by correcting waveform data 503 read from waveform information storage unit 160 in accordance with the specified intensity.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 10, the unit waveform generating section 603 generates a unit waveform pattern 1001 of a predetermined length of time based on the acquired waveform data 501, 502', and 503'.

[0072] The unit waveform pattern 1001 is a unit waveform pattern when a method of combining waveform data 501, 502', and 503' by linking them along the time axis is instructed. Note that, according to the example of Fig. 10, the unit waveform pattern 1001 also indicates a method of combining each waveform data so that it has the same time length (t1 = t2 = t3).

[0073] <Example of current waveform signal> Next, a specific example of a current waveform signal generated by the output unit 604 will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of a current waveform signal. As shown in Fig. 11, when the output unit 604 acquires unit waveform patterns from the unit waveform generating unit 603, it generates a current waveform signal by concatenating the acquired unit waveform patterns for the application time (for example, 30 to 60 minutes).

[0074] 11, current waveform signal 1101 is a current waveform signal generated by concatenating unit waveform pattern 701. Current waveform signal 1102 is a current waveform signal generated by concatenating unit waveform pattern 702. Similarly, current waveform signals 1103 to 1105 are current waveform signals generated by concatenating unit waveform patterns 801 to 1001, respectively.

[0075] In this way, the control unit 140 controls the AC current applied by the power supply unit 130 by transmitting to the power supply unit 130 a current waveform signal that connects unit waveform patterns that include multiple waveform data with different frequency spectra.

[0076] <User interface of the control unit> Next, a description will be given of the user interface provided by the waveform generating section 150 of the control section 140. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the user interface provided by the control section. When the waveform generating section 150 in the control section 140 is started, a setting screen 1200 is displayed on the display section 405.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 12, the setting screen 1200 includes an area for inputting information for identifying the combination target, an area for inputting information for instructing the combination method, and an area for setting the application time.

[0078] The area for inputting information specifying the combination target includes input items such as "number of combinations," "combination range," and "target."

[0079] The "number of combinations" is input with the number of waveform data when combining multiple waveform data to generate a unit waveform pattern. The "combination range" is input with information as to whether the waveform data to be combined is to be identified individually or as a frequency range. The "target" is input with information that identifies the waveform data to be combined. As described above, the "target" may be input with information indicating the type of waveform stored in the "waveform type" of the waveform information 500, or may be input with the frequency or frequency range of the waveform data to be combined. Alternatively, the type of cancer cells whose proliferation is to be inhibited may be input.

[0080] The area for inputting information instructing the combination method includes input items such as "method," "intensity," and "ratio."

[0081] "Method" includes: A method of combining waveform data by linking them along the time axis, - A method of combining waveform data to be combined by superimposing them in the same time period. Information instructing either of the above methods is input.

[0082] "Intensity" includes: -Method of combining waveform data with different intensities -Method of combining waveform data to be combined at the same intensity, The information specifying the method and the strength is input.

[0083] "Ratio" refers to the ratio of the waveform data to be combined when they are linked along the time axis. - A method of combining waveform data so that each data has a different time length, - A method of combining waveform data so that each data has the same time length. The information specifying the ratio of the time lengths is input.

[0084] The area for setting the application time includes an input item, "application time." In "application time," the application time (for example, in the range of 30 to 60 minutes) is input.

[0085] The setting screen 1200 further includes a generate button 1211 and a start button 1212. When input into each input item included in the area for inputting information to identify the combination targets and each input item included in the area for inputting information instructing the combination method is completed, the generate button 1211 becomes pressable. When the generate button 1211 is pressed in this state, the unit waveform generation unit 603 generates a unit waveform pattern.

[0086] Furthermore, when the start button 1212 is pressed after a unit waveform pattern has been generated, the output section 604 generates a current waveform signal based on the generated unit waveform pattern and transmits it to the power supply section 130.

[0087] <Flow of magnetic field application process> Next, we will explain the overall flow of the magnetic field application process by the magnetic field generation system 100. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the magnetic field application process by the magnetic field generation system. As shown in Fig. 13, in step S1301, a medical professional places the magnetic field generator 110 at a position corresponding to the position of the affected area 311 of the patient 310.

[0088] In step S1302, the control unit 140 receives input for each input item from the medical professional via the setting screen 1200. In step S1303, the control unit 140 generates a unit waveform pattern.

[0089] In step S1304, the control unit 140 starts outputting the current waveform signal, and the power supply unit 130 applies an alternating current corresponding to the current waveform signal to the magnetic field generating device 110. As a result, an alternating magnetic field is generated in the magnetic field generating device 110, and the alternating magnetic field is applied to the affected area 311 of the patient 310.

[0090] In step S1305, control unit 140 determines whether the set application time has elapsed. If it is determined in step S1305 that the set application time has not elapsed (No in step S1305), control unit 140 waits until the set application time has elapsed.

[0091] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1305 that the set application time has elapsed (Yes in step S1305), the process proceeds to step S1306. In step S1308, control unit 140 stops outputting the current waveform signal.

[0092] In step S1307, the medical staff removes the magnetic field generating device 110 that has been placed at a position corresponding to the position of the affected area 311 of the patient 310, and ends the magnetic field application process.

[0093] <Summary> As is clear from the above description, the magnetic field generation system 100 according to the first embodiment has the following features: The magnetic field generating device has a power supply unit that applies alternating current. The device has a control unit that controls the AC current applied by the power supply unit by transmitting a current waveform signal.

[0094] Furthermore, in the magnetic field generating system 100 according to the first embodiment, the control unit generates a unit waveform pattern including multiple current waveforms with different frequency spectra, and generates a current waveform signal by concatenating the generated unit waveform patterns.

[0095] In this way, the magnetic field generating system 100 according to the first embodiment generates a unit waveform pattern with a wide frequency range by combining different frequencies with a specific frequency that is effective in suppressing the proliferation of cancer cells. Also, an AC current having the generated unit waveform pattern is repeatedly applied to the magnetic field generating device.

[0096] This makes it possible to improve the effect of inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells even when the properties of the cancer cells vary. In other words, the magnetic field generation system 100 according to the first embodiment can provide a power supply device and a magnetic field generation system capable of applying an alternating magnetic field of an appropriate frequency.

[0097] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, different frequencies are combined to improve the effect of inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, whereas in the second embodiment, the intensity of the alternating magnetic field applied to cancer cells is increased to improve the effect of inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells.

[0098] In order to increase the strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to cancer cells, it is effective to shorten the distance between the magnetic field generator and the affected area. The strength of the alternating magnetic field depends on the distance from the magnetic field generator, so by bringing the magnetic field generator closer to the affected area, the strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to cancer cells can be increased even if the alternating current applied to the magnetic field generator is the same.

[0099] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the magnetic field generating device is configured to be placed near the affected area of ​​the patient. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0100] <System configuration of magnetic field generation system> First, the system configuration of a magnetic field generation system according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a magnetic field generation system according to the second embodiment. The magnetic field generation system 1400 differs from the magnetic field generation system 100 described in the first embodiment using Fig. 1 in that the magnetic field generation system 1400 includes a magnetic field generation device 1410 and a power transmission device 1420.

[0101] The magnetic field generating device 1410 is placed near an affected area 311 inside the body of a patient 310 by surgery or the like. The magnetic field generating device 1410 has a magnetic field resonance type power receiving coil in addition to a spirally formed coil. In the magnetic field generating device 1410, when the power receiving coil receives an AC current wirelessly fed from the power transmitting device 1420, the AC current flows in the spirally formed coil, generating an alternating magnetic field.

[0102] The power transmitting device 1420 is placed outside the body of the patient 310 and near the magnetic field generating device 1410. The power transmitting device 1420 has a power transmitting coil and a core, and wirelessly feeds power to the magnetic field generating device 1410 by a magnetic field resonance method.

[0103] <Direction of magnetic field lines and positional relationship with affected area> Next, a description will be given of the positional relationship between the direction of magnetic field lines and the affected area when an alternating magnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generator 1410. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the direction of magnetic field lines of the magnetic field generator and the affected area.

[0104] 15(a), a magnetic field generating device 1410 is placed near an affected area 311 of a patient 310. A power transmitting device 1420 is also placed near the magnetic field generating device 1410.

[0105] Figure 15(b) shows the cross section BB of Figure 15(a). In the state shown in Figure 15(a), an alternating current is applied to the power transmitting coil 1430, causing the power receiving coil (not shown) in the magnetic field generating device 1410 to receive power. As a result, an alternating current flows in the magnetic field generating device 1410, generating an alternating magnetic field.

[0106] As shown in Figure 15(b), when the magnetic field generating device 1410 placed inside the body of the patient 310 generates an alternating magnetic field, many magnetic field lines (dashed lines in Figure 15(b)) pass through the affected area 311 of the patient 310. In other words, the strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to the affected area 311 of the patient 310 can be increased. As a result, the effect of inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells can be improved.

[0107] <Summary> As is clear from the above description, the magnetic field generating system 1400 according to the second embodiment includes a magnetic field generating device that generates an alternating magnetic field by being wirelessly powered, and a power transmitting device that wirelessly powers the magnetic field generating device, and the magnetic field generating device is placed near the affected area of ​​the patient.

[0108] This makes it possible to generate an alternating magnetic field near the affected area of ​​the patient, thereby increasing the intensity of the alternating magnetic field applied to cancer cells. In other words, the magnetic field generating system 100 according to the second embodiment can provide a power supply device and a magnetic field generating system capable of applying an alternating magnetic field of appropriate intensity.

[0109] [Third embodiment] In the second embodiment, the magnetic field generator is placed near the affected area to shorten the distance between the magnetic field generator and the affected area and increase the intensity of the alternating magnetic field applied to the cancer cells. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the magnetic field generator is inserted into the patient's body. The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0110] Fig. 16 is a first diagram showing another configuration example of a magnetic field generator. As shown in Fig. 16, in the third embodiment, the coil constituting the magnetic field generator is formed in a spiral shape and wound around a flexible rod-shaped member, and is configured to be deformable so that the central axis of the spiral becomes a curved shape along the body cavity when inserted into the body of a patient 310.

[0111] This makes it possible to apply an alternating magnetic field with a stronger intensity to the affected area 311 compared to when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the affected area 311 from outside the body of the patient 310. The example in Fig. 16 shows a state in which a medical professional inserts a magnetic field generating device 1610 into the anus of the patient 310 and moves it close to the cancer cells of the rectal cancer in order to increase the intensity of the alternating magnetic field applied to the cancer cells of the rectal cancer.

[0112] However, the manner of insertion into the body of the patient 310 is not limited to this; for example, in order to increase the strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to the cancer cells of esophageal cancer, a medical professional may insert the magnetic field generating device through the oral cavity of the patient 310 and move it close to the cancer cells of esophageal cancer.

[0113] Furthermore, the shape of the coils constituting the magnetic field generator is not limited to a spiral shape. For example, by arranging multiple spirally shaped coils on the same plane and connecting at least the coils with a flexible member, the connecting axis connecting the connection points between the coils can be deformed to a curved shape that follows the body cavity when inserted into the body of the patient 310.

[0114] In this way, the coils constituting the magnetic field generating device are configured to be deformable so that they can be inserted into the body of the patient 310 and moved through the body cavity to the vicinity of cancer cells of any type of cancer.

[0115] [Fourth embodiment] In the second and third embodiments, the distance between the magnetic field generator and the affected area is shortened to increase the intensity of the alternating magnetic field applied to the cancer cells. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the magnetic flux density is increased to increase the intensity of the alternating magnetic field applied to the cancer cells.

[0116] Fig. 17 is a second diagram showing another configuration example of a magnetic field generator. Of these, Fig. 17(a) shows a configuration in which two magnetic field generators (coils 210, 1710, cores 220, 1720) are arranged on the back side and abdominal side of an affected part 311 of a patient 310, thereby increasing the strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to the affected part 311. In this way, by increasing the number of magnetic field generators, the strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to the affected part 311 can be increased.

[0117] 17(a) shows a case where two magnetic field generators are arranged in the y-axis direction with the affected area 311 sandwiched between them, but it is also possible to configure two magnetic field generators to be arranged in the x-axis direction with the affected area 311 sandwiched between them. Also, in the example of FIG. 17(a), a case where two magnetic field generators are arranged has been described, but it is also possible to arrange three or more magnetic field generators.

[0118] Figure 17(b) shows a configuration in which two magnetic field generators are placed on the back and abdominal sides of an affected area 311 of a patient 310, thereby increasing the strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to the affected area 311. The first difference from Figure 17(a) is that the coils 1730 and 1740 of the magnetic field generators are formed in a helical shape rather than a spiral shape. The second difference from Figure 17(a) is that a C-arm core 1750 is inserted in the center of the helical coil.

[0119] By using the configuration shown in Figure 17(b), the alternating magnetic field generated by one coil 1730 is directed toward the other coil 1740, thereby reducing the leakage magnetic field and increasing the strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to the affected area 311.

[0120] In this way, the strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to cancer cells can be increased by changing the number, shape, arrangement, etc. of the magnetic field generators. In other words, the magnetic field generating system according to the fourth embodiment can provide a power supply device and a magnetic field generating system that can apply an alternating magnetic field of appropriate strength.

[0121] [Fifth embodiment] In the first to fourth embodiments, the magnetic field generator is configured to apply an alternating magnetic field to the affected part of the patient located in the normal direction relative to the center of the coil of the magnetic field generator. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, the magnetic field generator is configured to apply an alternating magnetic field to the affected part of the patient located in the center of the coil of the magnetic field generator.

[0122] Fig. 18 is a third diagram showing another configuration example of a magnetic field generator. Of these, Fig. 18(a) shows a magnetic field generator configured so that the torso of patient 310 is located at the center of spiral coil 1801. Fig. 18(b) shows a magnetic field generator configured so that the torso of patient 310 is located at the center of helical coil 1802. By configuring as shown in Figs. 18(a) and 18(b), an alternating magnetic field can be applied to the affected area of ​​the patient located at the center of the coil of the magnetic field generator.

[0123] Similarly, Figure 18(c) shows a magnetic field generator configured so that the head of patient 310 is positioned at the center of spiral coil 1811. Figure 18(d) shows a magnetic field generator configured so that the head of patient 310 is positioned at the center of helical coil 1812. By configuring as shown in Figures 18(c) and (d), an alternating magnetic field can be applied to the affected area of ​​the patient located at the center of the coil of the magnetic field generator.

[0124] [Other embodiments] In the first embodiment, the combination targets, combination method, application time, etc. are input regardless of the number, shape, arrangement, etc. of the magnetic field generators. However, the combination targets, combination method, application time, etc. may be input according to the number, shape, arrangement, etc. of the magnetic field generators.

[0125] In the first embodiment, a medical professional is described as inputting the combination targets and combination methods into the setting screen 1200. However, the medical professional may input the combination targets and combination methods by selecting a pattern in which the combination targets and combination methods are input in advance.

[0126] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the power supply unit 130 and the control unit 140 in the power supply device 120 are described as separate entities, but the power supply unit 130 and the control unit 140 may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0127] The present invention is not limited to the configurations shown here, such as the combination 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 invention, and can be determined appropriately depending on the application form. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 100: Magnetic field generation system 110: Magnetic field generator 120: Power supply 130: Power supply section 140: Control unit 150: Waveform generation section 210: Coil 220: Core 500: Waveform information 601: Combination target acquisition unit 602: Combination method acquisition unit 603: Unit waveform generator 604: Output section 1200: Settings screen 1410: Magnetic field generator 1420: Power transmission equipment [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0129] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-88059 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-158176 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 4750784

Claims

1. A cancer treatment device, comprising: a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field; a control unit that controls the magnetic field generation unit, the alternating magnetic field includes a plurality of different frequency spectrums; the control unit temporally changes the intensity of at least one of the plurality of different frequency spectra, thereby temporally changing the intensity of the alternating magnetic field applied to the cancer cells; A cancer treatment device characterized by:

2. 2. The cancer treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of different frequency spectrums are connected and combined along a time axis and include frequency components in a frequency range from a first frequency to a second frequency substantially continuously.

3. A power supply device for use in cancer treatment, comprising: a power supply unit that applies an alternating current to the magnetic field generating device; a control unit that controls the AC current applied by the power supply unit, the alternating current has a current waveform pattern including a plurality of different frequency spectra; The power supply device, wherein the control unit changes the intensity of at least one of the plurality of different frequency spectra over time.

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