A set of cancer treatment device and shielding member, shielding member, and cancer treatment device.

Abstract

A conductive material is implanted to treat cancer in living organisms. [Solution] The cancer treatment device and shielding member set is a set of a cancer treatment device and shielding member for treating cancer in a living body in which a conductor has been implanted, wherein the cancer treatment device includes a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to the living body, the shielding member shields the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit, and the shielding member has a shape that allows it to sandwich the conductor by at least a part of it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a set of a cancer treatment device and a shielding member, the shielding member, and the cancer treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, cancer treatment devices using various types of therapies have been proposed.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, as a tumor treatment technique of hyperthermia, a technique is disclosed in which heat-generating particles containing ferrite particles showing ferromagnetic properties are implanted near an affected part in the body, and the temperature of the affected part and the surrounding living tissue is raised to shrink tumor cells. In this technique, an alternating magnetic field generated from a coil is applied to the living body in order to generate heat from the heat-generating particles.

[0004] Also, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a cancer treatment device that performs treatment by the anti-tumor effect of an alternating magnetic field itself under specific conditions without using heat-generating particles by applying an alternating magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field to a cancer affected part.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a cancer treatment device that applies an alternating magnetic field to a living body, if a conductor is placed in the living body, the conductor may generate heat in response to the application of the alternating magnetic field. Therefore, when performing treatment with a cancer treatment device, it is preferable to remove the conductor from the living body in advance.

[0006] However, for example, if a conductor for dental treatment such as a crown or an implant is placed in the oral cavity, it may not be easily removed, and treatment of cancer in the head may become difficult. Also, if a conductor such as an implanted pacemaker, an aneurysm clip, or a stent is placed in the trunk or chest, it may not be easily removed, and treatment of cancer in the trunk or chest may become difficult.

[0007] This disclosure aims to treat cancer in living organisms with implanted conductive materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A set of a cancer treatment device and a shielding member according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a set of a cancer treatment device and a shielding member for treating cancer in a living body in which a conductor has been implanted, wherein the cancer treatment device comprises a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to the living body, the shielding member shields the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit, and the shielding member has a shape that allows at least a portion of it to sandwich the conductor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to treat cancer in living organisms by implanting a conductor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic top view showing the magnetic field generating section of a cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view showing the magnetic field generating section of a cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first example of a coil in the magnetic field generating section of a cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second example of a coil in the magnetic field generating section of a cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is Figure 1, showing a first example of a shielding member for a cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 2 shows a first example of a shielding member for a cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows a second example of a shielding member for a cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]It is a diagram showing a third example of a shielding member of a cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing magnetic field lines acting on a conductor by application of an alternating magnetic field. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the shielding effect of magnetic field lines by the shielding member according to the first example. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the shielding effect of magnetic field lines by the shielding member according to the third example. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a first example of a shielding member in a cancer treatment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing a second example of a shielding member in a cancer treatment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a cancer treatment device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the magnetic field generation part of a cancer treatment device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing the magnetic field generation part of a cancer treatment device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing the waveform of an alternating magnetic field applied to a patient by a cancer treatment device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing the time change of the magnetic field intensity of an alternating magnetic field applied to a patient by a cancer treatment device according to the fourth embodiment. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and redundant descriptions are appropriately omitted. The shapes of the components described in the drawings referred to below, the ratios such as the sizes between the components, and the relative positional relationships, etc. are examples, and are not limited to the contents described in the drawings. Also, the components may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation.

[0012] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of a Cancer Treatment Device According to the First Embodiment> Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the configuration of the cancer treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the cancer treatment apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing the magnetic field generating unit 50 of the cancer treatment apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing the magnetic field generating unit 50 of the cancer treatment apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first example of the coil 30 in the magnetic field generating unit 50 of the cancer treatment apparatus 100. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second example of the coil 30 in the magnetic field generating unit 50 of the cancer treatment apparatus 100.

[0013] The cancer treatment apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus for treating cancer by applying an alternating magnetic field to a living body. The cancer treatment apparatus 100 applies an alternating magnetic field generated by a coil included in the magnetic field generating unit 50 to the patient P, and treats cancer by performing at least one of suppressing the growth of cancer cells and reducing the cancer cells in the cancer affected part PT (tumor by cancer cells) of the living body, by the anti-tumor effect of the alternating magnetic field itself under specific conditions. The cancer treatment apparatus 100 is different from a cancer treatment apparatus that applies radio waves or the like, or a hyperthermia apparatus that heats heat generating particles arranged near the cancer affected part with a high-frequency magnetic field to raise the temperature of tumor cells, in that it directly treats cancer by an alternating magnetic field.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cancer treatment apparatus 100 includes a magnetic field generating unit 50 that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to the patient P in whom the conductor 80 is placed, and a shielding member 90 that shields the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 50. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the cancer treatment apparatus 100 includes a chiller 10, a high-frequency power source 20, and a magnetic field control unit 22.

[0015] The magnetic field generating unit 50 includes a coil 30 and a core 40. The chiller 10, the high-frequency power source 20, and the magnetic field control unit 22 are arranged near the bed 70 on which the patient P lies. The patient P is a person suffering from cancer. The patient P is an example of a living body. However, the living body treated by the cancer treatment apparatus 100 is not limited to the patient P, and may be a pet such as a dog or a cat suffering from cancer, or a breeding animal such as livestock.

[0016] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a conductor such as a metal component, an electric current called an eddy current is generated inside the conductor. The phenomenon in which the conductor is heated by this eddy current is called induction heating. For example, induction heating (IH) cookers use this induction heating to heat food. The conductor is, for example, a non-magnetic conductor.

[0017] If conductive materials such as copper, iron, stainless steel, or titanium wiring or screws are present near a magnetic field generator, a strong magnetic field can pass through the conductive material, causing it to heat up. The amount of heat generated varies depending on the strength and frequency of the magnetic field, as well as the material and shape of the metal. Generally, magnetic conductors are more easily inductively heated and generate more heat than non-magnetic conductors. However, even non-magnetic conductors can heat up depending on the strength and frequency of the magnetic field.

[0018] When treating a patient with a cancer treatment device that applies an alternating magnetic field to the body, if a conductor is placed on or inside the body, the alternating magnetic field applied to the body is also applied to the conductor. This can cause the conductor to generate heat through induction heating.

[0019] Conductors placed on or inside the living body include dental crowns or implants, artificial joints or metal pacemakers placed inside the body, and jewelry such as rings. While jewelry such as rings can be easily removed from the body, crowns, implants, artificial joints, metal pacemakers, etc., cannot be easily removed.

[0020] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a living organism in which a conductor is implanted, not only does the conductor itself generate heat, but this heat can also be transferred to the surrounding biological tissue, potentially affecting the organism. Furthermore, the potential difference generated by the induced current can cause electronic devices implanted inside the organism to malfunction, potentially affecting the organism as well.

[0021] In this embodiment, a portion of the shielding member 90 is positioned opposite to it via a conductor 80. In the example shown in Figure 2, a conductor 80, such as a dental crown or implant, is placed in the molars of patient P. The shielding member 90 includes a first shielding member 91 and a second shielding member 92. The first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92 are positioned opposite each other via a conductor 80. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a set of a cancer treatment device 100 for treating cancer in a living organism in which the conductor 80 is placed, and the shielding member 90, the shielding member 90 has a shape that shields the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 50 and can sandwich the conductor 80 with at least a portion of it.

[0022] The shielding member 90 can shield the space between the first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92 from the influence of the alternating magnetic field. As a result, the alternating magnetic field applied to the conductor 80 located in the space between the first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92 is reduced, and the heat generated by the conductor 80 is reduced. If the conductor 80 is an electronic device, the malfunction of the electronic device is reduced. As a result, in this embodiment, the effect of the conductor 80 on patient P when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the living body in which the conductor is implanted is reduced, and cancer in the living body in which the conductor 80 is implanted can be treated. The configuration and operation of the shielding member 90 will be described in detail separately with reference to Figures 6 to 12.

[0023] In Figure 1, the chiller 10 is a cooling liquid circulation device. The chiller 10 includes a chiller control unit 12, a temperature sensor 14, and a branching plug 16. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14, the chiller 10 adjusts the temperature of the cooling liquid CL supplied to the high-frequency power supply 20 and coil 30 to a preset appropriate temperature. The liquid CL circulated by the chiller 10 flows through the hollow section 31 of the coil 30 shown in Figure 4. The temperature of the liquid CL detected by the temperature sensor 14 is approximately the temperature of the coil 30.

[0024] In addition to the temperature sensor 14, the cancer treatment device 100 may also have a temperature sensor attached to the patient P, a temperature sensor placed near the coil 30, a thermoviewer for measuring the patient P's body temperature (in other words, a thermographic camera, or an infrared thermometer, etc.).

[0025] The chiller 10 can adjust the temperature of the liquid CL not only based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14, but also based on the patient P's body temperature or the temperature of the coil 30. Along with adjusting the temperature of the liquid CL, the chiller 10 may also adjust the flow rate of the circulating liquid CL. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14 exceeds a predetermined value, the chiller 10 may output a command to reduce the current applied to the high-frequency power supply 20.

[0026] The branch valve 16 branches off the liquid CL supplied from the chiller 10 and supplies it to the hose 60. The hose 60 is connected to the high-frequency power supply 20 and the coil 30, respectively, to circulate the liquid CL between the chiller 10 and the coil 30, and between the chiller 10 and the high-frequency power supply 20. The hose 60 may be a pipe with low flexibility or the like.

[0027] The magnetic field control unit 22 controls the operation of the magnetic field generating unit 50. Under the control of the magnetic field control unit 22, the high-frequency power supply 20 converts power supplied from an AC (Alternating Current) power supply 200 such as a commercial power supply into a high-frequency current of approximately 50 kHz to 400 kHz. The high-frequency current is supplied to the coil 30 of the magnetic field generating unit 50 via the cable 21, generating an alternating magnetic field in the magnetic field generating unit 50. Experiments have confirmed that the antitumor effect is greater when the high-frequency current applied to the coil 30 is between 180 kHz and 230 kHz.

[0028] The magnetic field control unit 22 controls the intensity of the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 50 by controlling the frequency, amplitude, and application time of the high-frequency current generated by the high-frequency power supply 20. The frequency, amplitude, and application time of the high-frequency current that the magnetic field control unit 22 causes the high-frequency power supply 20 to generate are predetermined before the alternating magnetic field is applied to the patient P. The frequency, amplitude, and application time of the high-frequency current may be controlled to fine-tune the intensity of the alternating magnetic field applied to the patient P according to the degree of rise in the patient P's body temperature. A matching circuit may be placed between the high-frequency power supply 20 and the coil 30, and the current from the high-frequency power supply 20 may be applied to the coil 30 via the matching circuit. In this case, a large high-frequency current is generated efficiently.

[0029] The bed 70 has a sliding section 71 that allows the patient P to move toward the magnetic field generating section 50, and is positioned near the magnetic field generating section 50. The bed 70 is made of a non-magnetic and non-conductive material such as resin so as not to be affected by the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating section 50. By making the patient P movable relative to the magnetic field generating section 50 using the sliding section 71, the position of the cancerous area PT of the patient P and the coil 30 can be adjusted without burdening the patient P, and an appropriate alternating magnetic field can be applied to the cancerous area PT.

[0030] The coil 30 is made of a highly conductive material such as copper, which has low loss at high frequencies. The coil 30 has a wound shape that conforms to the shape of the area on the patient P where the alternating magnetic field is applied, which in the example shown in Figure 1 is the head. By making the coil 30 a wound shape, the surface area between the coil 30 and the patient P can be increased, and the cooling efficiency of the area where the alternating magnetic field is applied can be increased. As a result, the rise in body temperature at the area where the alternating magnetic field is applied is suppressed.

[0031] In the examples shown in Figures 2 to 5, the coil 30 has 3 turns, but it may be formed with 2 to 5 turns. The cores 40a and 40b shown in Figure 4 are provided on both sides of the coil 30 in the axial direction, respectively, to concentrate the magnetic flux generated by the coil 30, reduce magnetic field leakage to the surrounding magnetic field generating unit 50, suppress the impact on other equipment, and enable miniaturization of the device. When a high-frequency current flows through the coil 30, an alternating magnetic field is generated.

[0032] If there are too many cores 40a and cores 40b placed in the path of the alternating magnetic field, the inductance of the coil 30 may become too high, making it difficult to design and select the power supply. For this reason, as shown in Figure 3, it is desirable to place multiple cores 40a with some space between them. It is also desirable to place multiple cores 40b with some space between them.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 1, patient P has a cancerous lesion PT on their head. Therefore, the coil 30 is sized to accommodate the head of patient P, which is moved together with the sliding portion 71. That is, the inner diameter of the coil 30 is larger than the outer diameter of the head of patient P, which has the lesion.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 4, the coil 30 has a conductive pipe shape with a hollow section 31. The cross-section of the coil 30 is a circular hollow coil. In the example shown in Figure 5, the cross-section of the coil 30 is a rectangular hollow coil. The coil 30 shown in Figure 5 differs from the coil 30 shown in Figure 4 in that it is wound in a spiral shape. In the coil 30 shown in Figure 5, by winding the coil 30 in a spiral shape, it is not necessary to bend a part of the coil 30. For this reason, the coil 30 shown in Figure 5 can be manufactured at a lower cost compared to the coil 30 shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the coil 30 shown in Figure 5 is formed from a conductive member with a rectangular hollow section in cross-section, and has a so-called flatwise winding shape, where the long side of the coil 30 is wound inward. This shape allows the facing area of ​​the coil that faces the area where the alternating magnetic field is applied in patient P to be increased compared to a coil with a circular cross-section.

[0035] The coil 30 shown in Figures 4 and 5 receives liquid as a liquid delivery DL from the chiller 10 via a hose 60 into a hollow section 31 at one end. The liquid flowing through the hollow section 31 of the coil 30 absorbs the heat generated from the coil 30 and is returned to the chiller 10 via the hose 60 as a drained liquid WL.

[0036] The temperature of the coil 30 is controlled to the body temperature of the patient P to whom the alternating magnetic field is applied, for example, a temperature of 36°C to 38°C. More preferably, the temperature of the coil 30 is controlled to be approximately the room temperature in which the cancer treatment device 100 is installed, 20°C to 30°C. In order to prevent condensation, it is preferable that the temperature of the coil 30 be above the dew point in the environment of the cancer treatment device 100 when the alternating magnetic field is applied.

[0037] By cooling the coil 30 with a circulating liquid, the temperature in the area where the alternating magnetic field is applied to patient P can be suppressed from rising due to the heat of the coil 30, and the cooled coil 30 can also function as a coolant. In other words, by placing the coil 30, which is set to a temperature lower than the patient P's body temperature, close to the area where the alternating magnetic field is applied to patient P, the temperature rise in the applied area of ​​patient P due to the application of the alternating magnetic field can be suppressed.

[0038] By suppressing the temperature rise in the area where the alternating magnetic field is applied in patient P, the strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to the cancerous area PT can be increased by applying a strong current with the coil 30. As a result, the antitumor effect is enhanced and the treatment time is shortened.

[0039] The magnetic field generating unit 50 may be positioned to correspond to the location of cancerous tissue PT other than the head. For example, if the cancerous tissue PT is located in the patient P's arm or leg, the cancer treatment device 100 can treat the cancerous tissue PT by positioning it in the space inside the coil 30. Furthermore, the coil 30 may be formed in a shape (inner diameter) that matches the shape of the cancerous tissue PT to which the alternating magnetic field is applied. By making the coil 30 into various shapes, the magnetic field generating unit 50 can apply an alternating magnetic field of a predetermined intensity even to cancerous tissue PT located deep within the patient P's body.

[0040] The strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to the cancer cells in the cancerous area PT of patient P is 1 mT or more, preferably 3 mT or more. To obtain an antitumor effect, it is desirable to apply an alternating magnetic field of 3 mT or more to the cancerous area PT continuously for 30 minutes or more, daily or every few days.

[0041] Experiments have shown that the inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation is greater with increasing alternating magnetic field strength. However, when a strong alternating magnetic field is applied to the cancerous area PT from a coil 30 whose inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the area containing the cancerous area PT in patient P, the temperature in the area where the alternating magnetic field is applied in patient P may fall outside the normal range, for example, below 41°C. Furthermore, it is not the case that the strength of the alternating magnetic field should be increased indefinitely; it is desirable to keep it below 20mT, for example, below 10mT.

[0042] <Detailed configuration of shielding member 90> Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the configuration of the shielding member 90 provided in the cancer treatment device 100 will be described in detail. Figure 6 is the first figure showing a first example of the shielding member 90 of the cancer treatment device 100. Figure 7 is the second figure showing a first example of the shielding member 90 of the cancer treatment device 100. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a second example of the shielding member 90 of the cancer treatment device 100. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a third example of the shielding member 90 of the cancer treatment device 100.

[0043] In the first example shown in Figures 6 and 7, the conductor 80 is a dental crown or implant placed in one of several teeth Te of patient P. In dental treatment, conductors containing gold-silver-palladium alloy are widely used under medical insurance coverage. Besides gold-silver-palladium alloy, silver alloys, gold, cobalt-chromium alloys, titanium, amalgam, etc., are also used as dental treatment conductors 80. Dental treatment conductors 80 are primarily non-magnetic. Depending on the shape, size, conductivity, and other material properties of the dental treatment conductor 80, it may generate heat and affect biological tissue.

[0044] In the first example shown in Figures 6 and 7, the shielding member 90 includes a first shielding member 91 and a second shielding member 92 that is spaced apart from the first shielding member 91 and positioned opposite the first shielding member 91 via a conductor 80. From another viewpoint, the first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92 are separate components. The first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92 are plate-shaped members with a substantially rectangular external shape in plan view. In the first example, by configuring the shielding member 90 with separate components, the first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92, the degree of freedom in positioning the shielding member 90 on the patient P is increased.

[0045] The shapes of the shielding member 90, the first shielding member 91, and the second shielding member 92 can be appropriately changed to match the shape of the conductor 80, or the shape of the part of patient P in which the conductor 80 is implanted. For example, at least one of the first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92 may have a curved shape. By curving at least one of the first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92, the adhesion between the first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92 can be improved to match the shape of the conductor 80.

[0046] The shielding member 90 preferably contains a soft magnetic material. Examples of soft magnetic materials include ferrite or soft ferrite. By using a soft magnetic material in the shielding member 90, the effect of shielding the alternating magnetic field can be suitably obtained. However, the shielding member 90 is not limited to a soft magnetic material and may also contain magnetic materials such as amorphous alloys, permalloy, or mu-metal. The shielding member 90 is preferably made of a material that can suppress metal allergies in living organisms, such as a material that does not use nickel.

[0047] In the second example shown in Figure 8, the shielding member 90 includes a plurality of small magnetic materials 93 and a resin member 94 to which the plurality of magnetic materials 93 are fixed. The plurality of magnetic materials 93 are fixed to the resin member 94 by an adhesive member or the like. The resin member 94 is a member composed of a resin material. The resin member 94 can be easily manufactured into any shape by injection molding or the like. Therefore, in the second example, the shielding member 90 can be easily manufactured to match the shape of the oral cavity of patient P.

[0048] In the third example shown in Figure 9, the shielding member 90 includes a first portion 95a, a second portion 95b continuous with the first portion 95a, and a third portion 95c continuous with the second portion 95b. In another view, the first portion 95a and the second portion 95b are connected. The second portion 95b and the third portion 95c are connected. The first portion 95a and the third portion 95c are positioned opposite each other via a conductor 80.

[0049] The first part 95a, the second part 95b, and the third part 95c are composed of, for example, a resin material and are integrally formed by injection molding or the like. The first part 95a includes a first magnetic material 96a. The third part 95c includes a second magnetic material 96b. By placing the conductor 80 between the first part 95a and the third part 95c, the alternating magnetic field applied to the conductor 80 is reduced. In the third example, integrally forming the shielding member 90 makes it easier to stably position the shielding member 90 on the patient P.

[0050] From another perspective, the shielding member 90 according to the third example includes a first magnetic material 96a and a second magnetic material 96b, and a covering member 97 that covers the respective surfaces of the first magnetic material 96a and the second magnetic material 96b. The covering member 97 is preferably less hard than the first magnetic material 96a and the second magnetic material 96b. In the example shown in Figure 9, the resin portions in the first part 95a, the second part 95b, and the third part 95c correspond to the covering member 97. By covering the surfaces of the first magnetic material 96a and the second magnetic material 96b with a covering member 97 that is less hard than the first magnetic material 96a and the second magnetic material 96b, it is possible to suppress the patient P from feeling pain or being injured when the shielding member 90 comes into contact with the patient P.

[0051] <Shielding effect of the shielding member 90 on alternating electric fields> The shielding effect of the shielding member 90 on alternating electric fields will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 shows magnetic field lines M acting on the conductor 80 when an alternating magnetic field is applied. Figure 11 shows the shielding effect of the shielding member 90 on magnetic field lines according to the first example. Figure 12 shows the shielding effect of the shielding member 90 on magnetic field lines according to the third example. In Figures 10 to 12, magnetic field lines M are represented by dashed straight lines or curves.

[0052] Figure 10 shows that the conductor 80 is a non-magnetic material and that magnetic field lines M pass through the conductor 80. If the alternating magnetic field is strong, the alternating magnetic field that passes through may induce a current, potentially causing the conductor 80 to heat up.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 11, the shielding member 90 includes a first shielding member 91 and a second shielding member 92. The first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92 are arranged opposite each other via a conductor 80. Most of the magnetic field lines M are guided to either the first shielding member 91 or the second shielding member 92. As a result, the amount of magnetic field lines M passing through the conductor 80 is reduced, and the heat generation of the conductor 80 is suppressed.

[0054] From the viewpoint of enhancing the shielding effect of the shielding member 90, it is preferable that the direction D1 in which the first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92 face each other intersects with the direction D2 in which the magnetic field lines M extend, and more preferably is perpendicular to it. Note that the first shielding member 91 and the second shielding member 92 do not necessarily need to be arranged parallel to each other; they may be arranged in a tapered or inversely tapered manner.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 12, the shielding member 90 has a U-shape. The conductor 80 is placed inside the U-shape and surrounded on three sides by the shielding member 90. In another view, the shielding member 90 includes a first portion 95a, a second portion 95b continuous with the first portion 95a, and a third portion 95c continuous with the second portion 95b. The first portion 95a, the second portion 95b, and the third portion 95c each contain a magnetic material. The first portion 95a, the second portion 95b, and the third portion 95c face the conductor 80 from different directions. This configuration enhances the shielding effect of the shielding member 90 on the alternating magnetic field, further reducing the magnetic field lines M passing through the conductor 80. As a result, heat generation in the conductor 80 can be further suppressed.

[0056] [Second Embodiment] Next, a cancer treatment device according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that names and reference numerals identical to those used in the previously described embodiments indicate the same or identical components or configurations, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate. The same applies to the embodiments described later.

[0057] Figure 13 shows a first example of the shielding member 90 in the cancer treatment device according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 shows a second example of the shielding member 90 in the cancer treatment device according to the second embodiment.

[0058] In this embodiment, the shielding member 90 shields the alternating electric field applied to each of the multiple conductors 80 when multiple conductors 80 are placed spaced apart in the patient P, which is different from the shielding member 90 in the cancer treatment device according to the first embodiment.

[0059] In the first example shown in Figure 13, a dental treatment conductor 80a is located in one region of the oral cavity of patient P, and a dental treatment conductor 80b is placed in the region opposite to that side. The shielding member 90 is arranged such that a portion of it is positioned opposite to the conductor 80a, and another portion is positioned opposite to the conductor 80b.

[0060] In the second example shown in Figure 14, the shielding member 90 is not positioned to correspond to each of the multiple conductors 80, but rather the shielding member 90 has a shape that allows multiple teeth Te to be positioned opposite each other together. From another perspective, the shielding member 90 is a mouthpiece-type shielding member. Because the shielding member 90 is a mouthpiece-type shielding member, multiple conductors 80 can be shielded using a single shielding member 90. This enhances the shielding effect of the alternating magnetic field and improves the ease with which the shielding member 90 can be attached to the teeth Te.

[0061] [Third Embodiment] Next, a cancer treatment device according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 15 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the cancer treatment device 100a according to the third embodiment. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the magnetic field generating unit 50a of the cancer treatment device 100a. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing the magnetic field generating unit 50a of the cancer treatment device 100a.

[0062] The cancer treatment device 100a according to this embodiment differs from the cancer treatment device 100 according to the first embodiment in that it has a pair of magnetic field generating units 50a facing each other with the patient P in between, and is capable of applying an alternating magnetic field to the cancerous area PT located in the abdomen or other part of the patient P.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 15, the magnetic field generating unit 50a includes a first magnetic field generating unit 51 and a second magnetic field generating unit 52. The first magnetic field generating unit 51 and the second magnetic field generating unit 52 are a pair of magnetic field generating units 50a facing each other with the patient P in between.

[0064] The first magnetic field generating unit 51 and the second magnetic field generating unit 52 each have a disc-shaped coil 30 and a core 40 positioned opposite the coil 30. The cancer treatment device 100a can apply a strong alternating magnetic field to the cancerous area PT even when the cancerous area PT is located deep within the patient P's body, such as in the case of pancreatic cancer, by positioning the disc-shaped coils 30 opposite each other with the cancerous area PT in between.

[0065] Chiller 10a differs from the chiller 10 of the cancer treatment apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that it circulates liquid to the high-frequency power supply 20 and the pair of coils 30 via branch plugs in order to supply liquid at an appropriate temperature to the high-frequency power supply 20 and the pair of coils 30, respectively. The high-frequency power supply 20 is connected to each of the pair of coils 30 via a cable 21 and supplies alternating current to each of the pair of coils 30 based on the control of the magnetic field control unit 22. The pair of coils 30 generate an alternating magnetic field in response to the alternating current.

[0066] In the cancer treatment device 100a, the patient P, lying on the bed 70, is moved along with the sliding unit 71 until their abdomen is sandwiched between a pair of magnetic field generating units 50a.

[0067] The dashed curves shown in Figure 16 represent the magnetic field lines of the alternating magnetic field generated from the coil 30 of the magnetic field generating unit 50a, and show the intensity distribution of the alternating magnetic field. The coil 30 has a so-called spiral shape. As shown in Figure 17, the coil 30 is formed from a conductive member having a rectangular cross-section with a short side and a long side, and a rectangular hollow portion 31b.

[0068] The pair of coils 30 have their long sides facing each other. For example, a liquid inlet is provided on the outer circumference of the spiral-shaped coil 30, and a liquid outlet is provided in the center of the spiral-shaped coil 30. This allows the opposing surface area of ​​the pair of coils 30 facing the area where the alternating magnetic field is applied in the patient P to be increased compared to a coil with a circular cross-section. As a result, the resistance value of the coils 30 is reduced, and the power consumption of the cancer treatment device 100a is reduced.

[0069] In Figures 16 and 17, the multiple cores 40 arranged side by side have a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. They are arranged at intervals in the radial direction of the disc-shaped coils 30 on the long side opposite to the opposing surfaces of the pair of coils 30. By arranging the cores 40 in close proximity to the coils 30, leakage of excess alternating magnetic field to the surroundings can be prevented, and the alternating magnetic field applied to the cancerous area PT can be strengthened. Side cores may be arranged to magnetically connect the cores 40 positioned on the side of the patient P's body. The arrangement of side cores forms a closed magnetic circuit, further reducing the leakage magnetic field and allowing a stronger alternating magnetic field to be applied to the patient P.

[0070] A smaller coil 30 can be used when the cancerous PT is located relatively close to the coil 30. In this case, a coil 30 made by winding a non-hollow conductive material such as Litz wire can be used. Instead of sandwiching the cancerous PT between two coils 30, a single coil 30 may be used.

[0071] In Figure 15, the conductor 80 is a small component such as a stent, and is positioned near the cancerous PT (postural therapy) area to which a therapeutic alternating magnetic field is applied. A shielding member 90 is positioned near the conductor 80 to prevent the alternating magnetic field from passing through it. The shielding member 90 preferably has a curved shape to prevent the concentration of magnetic flux.

[0072] In this embodiment of the cancer treatment device 100a, the same effects as in the cancer treatment device 100 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of coils 30, each having a flat disc shape and a rectangular hollow portion 31b, are arranged with their long sides facing each other. As a result, alternating magnetic fields can be applied from both sides of the patient P, so that a strong alternating magnetic field can be applied to the cancerous area PT even when the cancerous area PT is located deep inside the patient P's body.

[0073] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a cancer treatment device according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the waveform of the alternating magnetic field applied to patient P by the cancer treatment device according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the time change in the magnetic field strength of the alternating magnetic field applied to the patient by the cancer treatment device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0074] The waveform of the alternating magnetic field applied to the cancerous area PT of patient P can be appropriately switched depending on the type of cancer cells being treated. For example, as shown in Example 1 in Figure 18, the alternating magnetic field may have a frequency spectrum with a single frequency peak f1, or as shown in Examples 2 and 3, the frequency spectrum may have peaks at multiple frequencies, in this example, three frequencies f1, f2, and f3.

[0075] In Example 1, the alternating magnetic field has a waveform that repeats in strength and weakness at a constant period. In Example 2, when three frequencies f1, f2, and f3 are superimposed, the alternating magnetic field has a complex waveform that superimposes the unit waveform patterns of frequencies f1, f2, and f3. In Example 3, the frequency of the alternating magnetic field can be switched by switching the three frequencies f1, f2, and f3 at predetermined time intervals t1, t2, and t3.

[0076] As shown in Figure 19, in this embodiment, the magnetic field control unit 22 controls the magnetic field generating unit 50 to generate an alternating magnetic field with a first magnetic field strength M1 until a predetermined time T0 has elapsed after the start of generating the alternating magnetic field, and then to generate an alternating magnetic field with a second magnetic field strength M2 that is stronger than the first magnetic field strength M1 after the predetermined time T0 has elapsed.

[0077] In Figure 19, when treating the cancerous PT, an alternating magnetic field is continuously applied to the cancerous PT during the treatment time T1. However, instead of continuously applying the maximum magnetic field during the treatment time T1, an alternating magnetic field with a first magnetic field strength M1, which is weaker than that at the end of the treatment time T1, is applied until a predetermined time T0, which is the initial stage of the treatment time T1, has elapsed. As shown in Example 1, the strength of the alternating magnetic field may be increased in stages, and the maximum value may be maintained for the remainder of the treatment time, or as shown in Example 2, the strength of the alternating magnetic field may be increased gradually, and the maximum value may be maintained for the remainder of the treatment time.

[0078] It is known that when an alternating magnetic field is applied to a conductor 80, its temperature rises due to the influence of the alternating magnetic field. If the maximum alternating magnetic field is applied suddenly in the initial stages of application, the temperature of the conductor 80 may rise rapidly, potentially affecting patient P. Therefore, in the initial stages of applying the alternating magnetic field, it is preferable to apply an alternating magnetic field with a relatively weak magnetic field strength, confirm that there is no effect on patient P, and then gradually increase the magnetic field strength of the applied alternating magnetic field. This allows for the safe application of stronger alternating magnetic fields, resulting in a more favorable therapeutic effect.

[0079] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0080] The ordinal numbers, quantities, and other figures used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure are all illustrative to specifically illustrate the technology of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the illustrative figures. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the components are illustrative to specifically illustrate the technology of this disclosure, and are not limited to the connection relationships that realize the functions of this disclosure.

[0081] The aspects of this disclosure are, for example, as follows: <1> A set of a cancer treatment device and a shielding member for treating cancer in a living body in which a conductive material is implanted, wherein the cancer treatment device comprises a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to the living body, and the shielding member has a shape that shields the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit and can sandwich the conductive material by at least a part of it. <2> The shielding member includes a soft magnetic material, <1> This is a set of cancer treatment device and shielding material as described above. <3> The soft magnetic material is ferrite, <2> This is a set of cancer treatment device and shielding material as described above. <4> The direction in which a portion of the shielding member faces the direction in which the magnetic field lines generated by the alternating magnetic field extend intersect with the direction in which the alternating magnetic field extends. <1> From the above <3> This is a set of a cancer treatment device and shielding material as described in one of the following documents. <5> The shielding member includes a first portion, a second portion continuous with the first portion, and a third portion continuous with the second portion, wherein the first portion and the third portion are arranged opposite each other via the conductor, <1> From the above <4> This is a set of a cancer treatment device and shielding material as described in one of the following documents. <6> The shielding member includes a first shielding member and a second shielding member that is spaced apart from the first shielding member and positioned opposite to the first shielding member via the conductor, <1> From the above <5> This is a set of a cancer treatment device and shielding material as described in one of the following documents. <7> The shielding member includes a plurality of small pieces of magnetic material and a resin member on which the plurality of magnetic material is fixed, <1> From the above <6> This is a set of a cancer treatment device and shielding material as described in one of the following documents. <8> The shielding member includes a magnetic material and a covering member that covers the surface of the magnetic material, wherein the covering member has a lower hardness than the magnetic material. <1> From the above <7> This is a set of a cancer treatment device and shielding material as described in one of the following documents. <9> The covering member includes a resin material, <8> This is a set of cancer treatment device and shielding material as described above. <10> The magnetic field control unit controls the operation of the magnetic field generating unit, wherein the magnetic field control unit controls the magnetic field generating unit to generate the alternating magnetic field of a first magnetic field strength until a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of generating the alternating magnetic field, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, to generate the alternating magnetic field of a second magnetic field strength which is stronger than the first magnetic field strength. <1> From the above <9> This is a set of a cancer treatment device and shielding material as described in one of the following documents. <11> A shielding member used in a cancer treatment method, which includes a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to a living organism, wherein the shielding member has a shape that shields the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit and is capable of sandwiching the conductor by at least a portion of it. <12> A cancer treatment device for treating cancer in a living organism, comprising: a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to the living organism on which a conductor is implanted; and a shielding member that shields the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit, wherein a part of the shielding member is positioned opposite to the conductor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10, 10a Chiller 12 Chiller control unit 14. Temperature sensor 16 Branch valve 20 High frequency power supply 21 Cables 30 coils 31, 31b Hollow part 40, 40a, 40b cores 50, 50a Magnetic field generation section 51 First magnetic field generation unit 52 Second Magnetic Field Generating Unit 60 hoses 70 beds 71 Slide section 80, 80a, 80b Conductors 90 Shielding member 91 First shielding member 92 Second shielding member 93 Magnetic material 94 Resin components 95a Part 1 95b Part 2 95c Part 3 96a First magnetic material 96b Second magnetic body 97 Covering member 100, 100a Cancer treatment device 200 AC power supply CL liquid DL fluid delivery D1 Opposing direction D2 Direction of extension WL drainage M Magnetic field lines M1: First magnetic field strength M2: Second Magnetic Field Strength P patient PT (Physical Therapy) - Cancer Area Te (tooth) T0 Predetermined time T1 treatment time [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0083] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-88059 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 097185

Claims

1. A set of a cancer treatment device and shielding member for treating cancer in living organisms in which a conductive material is implanted, The cancer treatment device includes a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to the living body, A set of a cancer treatment device and a shielding member, wherein the shielding member has a shape that shields the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit and is capable of sandwiching the conductor by at least a portion of it.

2. The shielding member comprises a soft magnetic material, and the set of the cancer treatment apparatus and the shielding member is as described in claim 1.

3. The set of cancer treatment apparatus and shielding member according to claim 2, wherein the soft magnetic material is ferrite.

4. The set of cancer treatment apparatus and shielding member according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which a portion of the shielding member faces the direction intersects with the direction in which the magnetic field lines generated by the alternating magnetic field extend.

5. The shielding member is, Part 1 and, A second part that is continuous with the first part, A third part that is continuous with the second part, The set of cancer treatment apparatus and shielding member according to claim 1, wherein the first part and the third part are arranged opposite each other via the conductor.

6. The shielding member is, First shielding member and A set of cancer treatment apparatus and shielding member according to claim 1, comprising: a second shielding member spaced apart from the first shielding member and positioned opposite to the first shielding member via the conductor.

7. The set of cancer treatment apparatus and shielding member according to claim 1, wherein the shielding member comprises a plurality of small pieces of magnetic material and a resin member on which the plurality of magnetic material is fixed.

8. The shielding member is, Magnetic materials and, The coating member covers the surface of the magnetic material, The set of the cancer treatment apparatus and shielding member according to claim 1, wherein the covering member has a lower hardness than the magnetic material.

9. The set of the cancer treatment apparatus and shielding member according to claim 8, wherein the covering member includes a resin material.

10. The magnetic field control unit controls the operation of the magnetic field generating unit, The set of a cancer treatment apparatus and a shielding member according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field control unit controls the magnetic field generating unit to generate the alternating magnetic field of a first magnetic field strength until a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of generating the alternating magnetic field, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, to generate the alternating magnetic field of a second magnetic field strength that is stronger than the first magnetic field strength.

11. A shielding member used in a cancer treatment method, comprising a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to a living body in which a conductor is implanted, A shielding member having a shape that shields the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit and that can sandwich the conductor by at least a portion of it.

12. A cancer treatment device that treats cancer in living organisms, A magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to the biological body in which a conductor is implanted, It includes a shielding member that shields the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit, A cancer treatment device in which a portion of the shielding member is positioned opposite to the conductor.

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