Cancer treatment system

Abstract

This invention provides a cancer treatment system capable of accurately measuring the temperature of parts of a living organism to which an alternating magnetic field is applied. [Solution] This cancer treatment system is a cancer treatment system for treating cancer in a living organism, and comprises: a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to the cancerous area of ​​the living organism through the epidermis of the living organism; a temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature rise of the tissue of the living organism caused by the application of the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit using an optical fiber on the epidermis; and a support unit that supports the optical fiber, wherein the support unit has a pressing mechanism that presses the tip of the optical fiber against the epidermis in the direction of extension of the optical fiber; and a rotation mechanism that adjusts the inclination of the optical fiber with respect to the epidermis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cancer treatment system.

Background Art

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

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cancer treatment system that applies an alternating magnetic field to a cancer-affected tissue of a patient. In order to measure the temperature of the part of the patient where the alternating magnetic field is applied, the tip of the optical fiber in the optical fiber thermometer is fixed to the part where the alternating magnetic field is applied.

[0004] As a temperature measuring means in an environment where an alternating magnetic field is applied, a non-contact type by detecting infrared light is used in addition to the optical fiber thermometer. However, the contact type temperature measurement using an optical fiber has a higher accuracy of about ±0.5°C compared to the non-contact type temperature measurement method with an accuracy of about ±2°C. In a cancer treatment device where a body temperature rise can occur, such as a method of applying an alternating magnetic field, temperature measurement by an optical fiber thermometer is suitable.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] <e:29> An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cancer treatment system capable of measuring the temperature of a part of a living body where an alternating magnetic field is applied with high accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A cancer treatment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a cancer treatment system for treating cancer in a living organism, comprising: a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to a cancerous area of ​​the living organism through the epidermis of the living organism; a temperature measuring unit that includes an optical fiber to be in contact with the epidermis and measures the temperature rise of the tissue of the living organism caused by the application of the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit using the optical fiber on the epidermis; and a support unit that supports the optical fiber, wherein the support unit has a pressing mechanism that presses the tip of the optical fiber in the direction of extension of the optical fiber against the epidermis, and a rotating mechanism that adjusts the inclination of the optical fiber with respect to the epidermis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, a cancer treatment system capable of accurately measuring the temperature of a portion of a living organism to which an alternating magnetic field is applied can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic top view showing the configuration of a cancer treatment system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the cancer treatment system according to the embodiment, viewed from the direction in which the patient's head is located. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a cancer treatment system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view showing the magnetic field generating unit of a cancer treatment system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a coil included in the magnetic field generating unit of a cancer treatment system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] This is a schematic side view showing a first example of the configuration around the support part in the cancer treatment system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] This is a schematic side view showing a second example of the configuration around the support part in the cancer treatment system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7A] This is a diagram showing the area around the support part in the cancer treatment system according to the first embodiment, viewed from the direction in which the head of the patient animal is located. [Figure 7B] This figure shows an example of a rod-shaped cooling member. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the support part of the cancer treatment system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic side view showing the placement of optical fibers when the cancerous area is the brain. [Figure 10] This is a schematic side view showing the placement of optical fibers when the cancerous area is the nasal cavity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. Also, for ease of understanding, the scale of the parts in the drawings may differ from the actual scale.

[0010] A degree of deviation is permissible in directions such as parallel, right-angled, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up and down, and left and right, as long as it does not impair the effects of the embodiments of this disclosure. The shape of the corners is not limited to right angles, but may be rounded in an arc shape. Parallel, right-angled, orthogonal, horizontal, and vertical may include approximately parallel, approximately right-angled, approximately orthogonal, approximately horizontal, and approximately vertical. "To arrange" is not limited to direct contact, but also includes indirect arrangement, for example, through other members.

[0011] In the following explanation, the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system will be used to represent directions for clarity. In the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system, the direction in which the X-axis extends is called the X direction, the direction in which the Y-axis extends is called the Y direction, and the direction in which the Z-axis extends is called the Z direction. The direction in which the arrow indicating the X-axis points is denoted as the +X direction, and the direction opposite to the +X direction is denoted as the -X direction. The direction in which the arrow indicating the Y-axis points is denoted as the +Y direction, and the direction opposite to the +Y direction is denoted as the -Y direction. The direction in which the arrow indicating the Z-axis points is denoted as the +Z direction, and the direction opposite to the +Z direction is denoted as the -Z direction.

[0012] [Embodiment] <Configuration of the cancer treatment system according to this embodiment> The configuration of the cancer treatment system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the cancer treatment system 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic view of the cancer treatment system 10 as seen from the direction in which the patient P's head is located, for example, the -Y direction. Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the cancer treatment system 10. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the magnetic field generating unit 100 of the cancer treatment system 10. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing the coil 100a of the cancer treatment system 10. Figures 1 to 3 show the cancer treatment system 10 in a state in which the patient P is placed on the mounting table 106 of the cancer treatment system 10 and treatment by the cancer treatment system 10 is being performed.

[0013] The cancer treatment system 10 is a system that treats cancer by applying an alternating magnetic field to a living body. The cancer treatment system 10 treats cancer by applying an alternating magnetic field generated by a coil contained in the magnetic field generator 100 to the living body, thereby suppressing the proliferation of cancer cells and reducing the size of cancer cells in the cancerous area of ​​the body. Furthermore, the cancer treatment system 10 treats cancer by placing the cancerous area in a magnetic field space generated by the alternating magnetic field from the magnetic field generator 100, without using a heat-generating medium and without relying on a thermal effect using the heat-generating action of the alternating magnetic field.

[0014] The living organism is a person suffering from cancer, or a pet such as a dog or cat, or a domesticated animal such as livestock, that has cancer. In this specification, a person suffering from cancer is referred to as a patient, and a domesticated animal suffering from cancer is referred to as a patient. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an example where the living organism is patient P.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cancer treatment system 10 includes a magnetic field generation unit 100 that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to a cancerous part of a patient P through the epidermis of the patient P, and a power supply unit 101 that supplies current to the magnetic field generation unit 100. Also, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cancer treatment system 10 includes a cancer treatment system 10 including a matching unit 102, a cooling unit 103, and a mounting table 106 on which the patient P is placed. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cancerous part is a brain tumor such as glioblastoma in the head of the patient P. The cancer treatment system 10 is not limited to the patient P and can also treat diseased animals. The cancer treatment system 10 is not limited to brain tumors such as glioblastoma and can treat any cancer.

[0016] The cancer treatment system 10 applies the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit 100 to the cancerous part of the patient P. The power supply unit 101 stably supplies current to the magnetic field generation unit 100 at a target resonance frequency, for example, 230 kilohertz, by the matching unit 102. The magnetic field generation unit 100 converts the current supplied from the power supply unit 101 into a magnetic field by electromagnetic induction.

[0017] The power supply unit 101 is connected to a power supply PS, which is a commercial power supply, via a power cable. The power supply unit 101 uses the power supplied from the power supply PS to generate an alternating current of a predetermined frequency. The power supply unit 101 supplies the generated alternating current to the magnetic field generation unit 100 via the matching unit 102. Also, the power supply unit 101 adjusts the current so as to generate an alternating magnetic field having a desired magnetic flux density in the magnetic field generation unit 100.

[0018] The matching unit 102 performs impedance matching between the power supply unit 101 and the magnetic field generation unit 100. The matching unit 102 includes a known resonance circuit such as a series circuit or a parallel circuit composed of an inductor, a capacitor, and a resistor. The matching unit 102 has a control function of adjusting the frequency so that the magnetic field generation unit 100 can always output the maximum current value. By using the matching unit 102, the cancer treatment system 10 can stably supply current to the magnetic field generation unit 100.

[0019] The magnetic field generating unit 100 generates an alternating magnetic field at the center of its coil in response to the current supplied from the power supply unit 101 via the matching unit 102. The alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 may have a substantially constant intensity, or it may have an intensity corresponding to a waveform with a defined intensity change.

[0020] The cooling unit 103 supplies coolant to cool the magnetic field generating unit 100 of the cancer treatment system 10. The cooling unit 103 also collects the coolant that has cooled the magnetic field generating unit 100 and circulates the coolant while maintaining a constant liquid temperature.

[0021] The cooling unit 103 includes a chiller. The cooling unit 103 supplies coolant to the manifold 104 via a hose 105. The cooling unit 103 also recovers the supplied coolant from the magnetic field generating unit 100. The cooling unit 103 is connected to the power supply PS via a power cable, and the coolant is cooled by the power from the power supply PS. Tap water, water with added antifreeze, fluorinated liquid systems, and other inert liquids can be used as the coolant.

[0022] The magnetic field generating unit 100 generates heat in accordance with the current supplied from the power supply unit 101. The cancer treatment system 10 cools the magnetic field generating unit 100 with a coolant supplied from the cooling unit 103, thereby suppressing the heat generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0023] The cancer treatment system 10 may also supply the coolant supplied from the cooling unit 103 to the power supply unit 101 and the matching unit 102 by branching the coolant in the manifold 104. In other words, the cancer treatment system 10 may use the coolant supplied from the cooling unit 103 to cool at least one of the power supply unit 101 and the matching unit 102.

[0024] The mounting platform 106 is on which a living body is placed. The mounting platform 106 may be capable of accommodating a living body in a supine position or in a seated position. The cancer treatment system 10 is equipped with a non-conductive buffer material 109 on top of the mounting platform 106. For example, if the mounting platform 106 contains metal, eddy currents may be generated due to the linking of the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100, potentially causing the mounting platform 106 to overheat. The cancer treatment system 10 prevents overheating of the mounting platform 106 by providing a non-conductive buffer material 109 so as to keep the mounting platform 106 at a sufficient distance from the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0025] The magnetic field generator 100 has a shape that allows the patient P's head to be inserted. When patient P is treated using the cancer treatment system 10, they lie supine on a non-conductive buffer material 109 and place their head in the magnetic field generator 100. The magnetic field generator 100 applies a magnetic field to the inserted head of patient P.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the magnetic field generating unit 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the magnetic field generating unit 100 includes a coil 100a and a pipe 100b. The coil 100a and pipe 100b are made of a conductive material. The coil 100a has a helical shape. The cancer treatment system 10 applies an alternating magnetic field to the cancerous area located inside the helix of the coil 100a. The pipe 100b is connected to both ends of the coil 100a.

[0027] The coil 100a and pipe 100b are made of tubular members. The coil 100a and pipe 100b shown in Figure 4 have a cylindrical shape. However, the coil 100a and pipe 100b are not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may also have an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, etc.

[0028] Temperature-controlled coolant supplied from the cooling unit 103 flows through the coil 100a and pipe 100b. Current flows through the coil 100a and pipe 100b from the power supply unit 101 via the matching unit 102. The heat generated by the current flowing through the coil 100a and pipe 100b is cooled by the coolant flowing through the coil 100a and pipe 100b. The coil 100a and pipe 100b are maintained at a nearly constant temperature by the cooling of the coolant.

[0029] Next, the insulating structure of coil 100a will be described. For example, if patient P comes into contact with coil 100a, there is a possibility of electric shock. Therefore, coil 100a has an insulating structure to prevent electric shock. In the example shown in Figure 5, coil 100a has a rectangular tube shape.

[0030] The coil 100a comprises a metal pipe 100a1, an insulating sheet 100a2, and a protective sheet 100a3. The material constituting the metal pipe 100a1 is a metal, for example, copper. The insulating sheet 100a2 is an insulating tape, for example, a polyimide tape. The protective sheet 100a3 is an insulating sheet, for example, a glass sheet. By equipping the coil 100a with the insulating sheet 100a2 and protective sheet 100a3 around the metal pipe 100a1, the insulating sheet 100a2 and protective sheet 100a3 protect the metal pipe 100a1. Furthermore, the insulating sheet 100a2 and protective sheet 100a3 insulate the metal pipe 100a1 from the patient P, etc.

[0031] Further protective materials such as cloth or rubber may be placed outside the protective sheet 100a3 of the coil 100a. Placing protective materials improves insulation and further reduces the risk of electric shock to patient P.

[0032] [First Embodiment] The cancer treatment system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and Figures 8 through 10. Note that names and reference numerals identical to those used in previously described embodiments indicate identical or similar components or configurations, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0033] Figure 6A is a schematic side view showing a first example of the configuration around the support part 200 in the cancer treatment system 10a according to the first embodiment. Figure 6B is a schematic side view showing a second example of the configuration around the support part 200 in the cancer treatment system 10a according to the first embodiment. Figure 7A is a view of the area around the support part 200 in the cancer treatment system 10a, viewed from the direction in which the head PT of the patient Pa is located, for example, the -Y direction. Figure 7B is a diagram showing an example of a rod-shaped cooling member 310. Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the support part 200 of the cancer treatment system 10a. Figure 9 is a schematic side view showing the arrangement of the optical fiber 251 when the cancerous area is the brain. Figure 10 is a schematic side view showing the arrangement of the optical fiber 251 when the cancerous area is the nasal cavity.

[0034] Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 9, and 10 show only the area around the support section 200 in the cancer treatment system 10a. For ease of explanation, Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 9, and 10 show the patient Pa and components located inside the magnetic field generating section 100, viewed through the magnetic field generating section 100.

[0035] In the examples shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 9, and 10, the patient Pa is a dog. The dog is placed on the mounting platform 106 shown in Figures 1 and 2, with its nasal cavity PN facing the direction in which the head PT is located, for example, in the -Y direction, and its head PT positioned inside the spiral coil in the magnetic field generating unit 100. However, the cancer treatment system 10a can also treat patients P or other patient Pas other than dogs.

[0036] As shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8, the cancer treatment system 10a according to this embodiment differs from the cancer treatment system 10 according to the embodiment in that it includes a temperature measuring unit 250 that includes an optical fiber 251 that is in contact with the epidermis Pa1 of the patient Pa, and a support unit 200 that supports the optical fiber 251.

[0037] The temperature measuring unit 250 measures the temperature rise of the tissue Pa of the affected animal, caused by the application of an alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100, using an optical fiber 251 at the epidermal Pa1. The support unit 200 has a pressing mechanism 210 that presses the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 against the epidermal Pa1, and a rotating mechanism 220 that adjusts the inclination of the optical fiber 251 relative to the epidermal Pa1. In Figures 6A and 6B, the reference numerals for the temperature measuring unit 250 and the optical fiber 251 are shown together to indicate that the temperature measuring unit 250 has an optical fiber 251. In subsequent figures, reference numerals may also be shown together for the same purpose.

[0038] In the examples shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8, the support unit 200 has a moving mechanism 230 that moves the optical fiber 251 in a direction along the axial direction Ax of the magnetic field generating unit 100. The axial direction Ax of the magnetic field generating unit 100 is parallel to the cylindrical axis of the cylinder formed by the coil 100a of the magnetic field generating unit 100 shown in Figure 4. The cancer treatment system 10a also has a placement member 253 that exposes the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 pressed against the epidermis Pa1 and is positioned on the portion of the optical fiber 251 other than the tip 252. Furthermore, the cancer treatment system 10a has a cooling member 310 positioned on the patient Pa and a holding member 300 that holds the cooling member 310. However, the cancer treatment system 10a does not necessarily have to have the moving mechanism 230, the placement member 253, the cooling member 310, and the holding member 300.

[0039] The temperature measuring unit 250 is an optical fiber thermometer that measures the temperature of the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa by bringing the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 in the extension direction De into contact with the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa, using principles such as fluorescence or Raman scattering.

[0040] The tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 is not limited to the end face that intersects the stretching direction De in the optical fiber 251. For example, the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 also includes the outer peripheral portion of the optical fiber 251 near the end face that contacts the skin Pa1 when the optical fiber 251 is tilted and abuts against the skin Pa1.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 8, the pressing mechanism 210 has a spring 211 connected to the optical fiber 251. The pressing mechanism 210 presses the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 against the epidermis Pa1 by the biasing force of the spring 211. The biasing force of the spring 211 is predetermined to be appropriate so that the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 does not separate from the epidermis Pa1 even if the affected animal Pa moves. However, the pressing mechanism 210 may also use the biasing force of an elastic member other than the spring 211, such as rubber, or a lever mechanism, to press the tip 252 against the epidermis Pa1.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 8, the rotating mechanism 220 is connected to the pressing mechanism 210. The rotating mechanism 220 rotates the pressing mechanism 210 in the rotational direction Dr, with the pivot shaft 221 as the center of rotation. This causes the rotating mechanism 220 to rotate the optical fiber 251 connected to the pressing mechanism 210, and adjust the inclination of the optical fiber 251 with respect to the skin Pa1. For example, when the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 is pressed against the skin Pa1, the rotating mechanism 220 adjusts the inclination of the optical fiber 251 such that the extension direction De of the optical fiber 251 is inclined with respect to the normal N of the portion of the skin Pa1 to which the tip 252 is pressed.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 8, the optical fiber 251 is tilted at an angle θ with respect to the normal N. The angle between the normal N and the portion of the skin Pa1 against which the tip 252 is pressed may be in the range of 45 degrees to 80 degrees.

[0044] In the first example shown in Figure 6A, the moving mechanism 230 includes a movable member 231 that moves in the direction of movement Ds and a connecting member 232 that connects to the holding member 300. The connecting member 232 also serves to guide the movement of the movable member 231. The movable member 231 is connected to the rotation mechanism 220. By moving the movable member 231 in the direction of movement Ds, the moving mechanism 230 moves the optical fiber 251, the pressing mechanism 210, and the rotation mechanism 220 together in the direction of movement Ds. On the other hand, in the second example shown in Figure 6B, the moving mechanism 230 differs from the moving mechanism 230 in that it does not have a movable member 231. In the moving mechanism 230 of the second example, the connecting member 232 moves relative to the holding member 300 in the direction of movement Ds.

[0045] The tilt adjustment of the optical fiber 251 by the rotating mechanism 220 and the movement of the optical fiber 251 by the moving mechanism 230 may be performed manually by an operator such as a physician operating the cancer treatment system 10a. Alternatively, a drive unit may be provided in at least one of the rotating mechanism 220 and the moving mechanism 230, and the tilt adjustment and movement adjustment of the optical fiber 251 may be performed electrically by the drive unit. However, motors and the like containing metal materials generate heat when an alternating magnetic field is applied. Therefore, the drive unit must use a drive system that does not contain metal materials, such as air pressure, water pressure, or hydraulic pressure.

[0046] In the example shown in Figure 8, the placement member 253 is connected to the pressing mechanism 210. The placement member 253 is positioned between the cooling member 310 corresponding to the heat source and the optical fiber 251. The placement member 253 covers the portion of the optical fiber 251 on the side where the cooling member 310 is located. However, the placement member 253 does not necessarily have to be connected to the pressing mechanism 210 and may be a separate component from the pressing mechanism 210. Furthermore, the placement member 253 is not limited to the portion of the optical fiber 251 on the side where the cooling member 310 is located, but may be positioned on a portion of the optical fiber 251 other than the side where the cooling member 310 is located.

[0047] The cooling member 310 is a component that has a cooling effect, such as a sealed antifreeze or gelling agent. In the examples shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 7A, the cooling member 310 is a component that has an annular shape when viewed from the direction in which the head PT of the affected animal Pa is located, for example, the -Y direction. Multiple annular cooling members 310 are arranged in the Y direction. The annular cooling members 310 are made annular by wrapping a rod-shaped cooling member 310 around the affected animal Pa. Figure 7B shows an example of a rod-shaped cooling member 310 before it is made annular.

[0048] The holding member 300 is a cylindrical member having an annular shape when viewed from the direction in which the head PT of the affected animal Pa is located, for example, the -Y direction. The holding member 300 holds the multiple annular cooling members 310 such that the multiple annular cooling members 310 are arranged inside each other.

[0049] The cooling member 310 cools the head PT of the patient Pa, which is positioned inside a plurality of annular cooling members 310 held by the holding member 300. The cooling member 310 is not limited to a member with a cooling effect that is sealed with antifreeze, a gelling agent, etc., but may also be a member through which a refrigerant supplied from a device that generates cold air or coolant passes.

[0050] <Effects and Actions of Cancer Treatment System 10a> In cancer treatment systems, for example, an alternating magnetic field with a frequency of approximately 230 kilohertz and a magnetic flux density of approximately 20 millitesla is applied to the affected area. Water, which makes up about 70% of the body, is an electrolyte with electrical conductivity. Because the water in the body is an electrolyte, eddy currents are generated by electromagnetic induction in response to the application of the alternating magnetic field. Eddy currents can cause the fluid in the tissues of the patient or animal to heat up, which can be undesirable as it raises the body temperature of the patient or animal.

[0051] The cancer treatment system 10a measures the temperature of the epidermal Pa1 of the affected animal Pa using the temperature measuring unit 250. This allows the cancer treatment system 10a to measure and monitor the temperature of the portion of the affected animal Pa to which the alternating magnetic field is applied while the alternating magnetic field is being applied. By monitoring the temperature, the cancer treatment system 10a can, for example, stop the treatment or temporarily stop the generation of the alternating magnetic field if the temperature of the portion of the affected animal Pa to which the alternating magnetic field is applied exceeds a predetermined upper limit. As a result, the cancer treatment system 10a can reduce the impact of the temperature rise of the affected animal Pa associated with the application of the alternating magnetic field on the affected animal Pa.

[0052] On the other hand, in order to accurately measure the temperature of the portion of the affected animal Pa to which an alternating magnetic field is applied, it is preferable that the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 in the temperature measuring unit 250 is in contact with the portion of the affected animal Pa to which the alternating magnetic field is applied. For example, if the affected animal Pa moves or otherwise causes the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 to no longer be in contact with the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa, it becomes impossible to accurately measure the temperature of the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa. Also, there are individual differences in the size of affected animals Pa. Therefore, if the affected animal Pa being treated changes, the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 may no longer be in contact with the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa, or the tip 252 may no longer be in contact with the portion of the affected animal Pa to which temperature measurement can be properly performed. When the tip 252 is not in contact with the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa, it becomes impossible to accurately measure the temperature of the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa.

[0053] In the cancer treatment system 10a, the support unit 200 has a pressing mechanism 210, which allows the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 to contact the epidermis Pa1 of the affected animal Pa with appropriate pressure. As a result, even if the affected animal Pa moves, the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 remains in stable contact with the epidermis Pa1 of the affected animal Pa. This allows the cancer treatment system 10a to accurately measure the temperature of the epidermis Pa1 of the affected animal Pa. Furthermore, the support unit 200 in the cancer treatment system 10a has a rotation mechanism 220, which allows the tilt of the optical fiber 251 to be adjusted even if there are individual differences among the affected animals Pa. This ensures that the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 contacts the epidermis Pa1 of the affected animal Pa appropriately. As a result, the cancer treatment system 10a can accurately measure the temperature of the epidermis Pa1 of the affected animal Pa.

[0054] Based on the above, this embodiment provides a cancer treatment device capable of accurately measuring the temperature of the portion of the patient's Pa to which an alternating magnetic field is applied. Furthermore, by monitoring the temperature of the patient's Pa using the measurement results from the temperature measurement unit 250, it is possible to quickly respond by stopping treatment or temporarily halting the generation of the alternating magnetic field if the temperature exceeds a predetermined upper limit.

[0055] In this embodiment, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the cancerous tissue of the diseased animal Pa, the optical fiber 251 is tilted with respect to the normal N of the portion of the epidermis Pa1 to which the tip 252 is pressed by the pressing mechanism 210. In the example shown in Figure 8, the optical fiber 251 is tilted at an angle θ with respect to the normal N.

[0056] When the optical fiber 251 is tilted with respect to the normal N, the area in contact between the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 and the epidermis Pa1 is larger compared to when the extension direction De of the optical fiber 251 is nearly parallel to the normal N. A larger contact area results in a higher signal noise ratio (SNR) for temperature measurement, improving the accuracy of temperature measurement for the affected animal Pa.

[0057] Furthermore, if the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 comes into contact with an object other than the epidermis Pa1 of the affected animal Pa, such as the cooling member 310, the temperature measuring unit 250 may measure the temperature of the cooling member 310, making it difficult to accurately measure the temperature of the affected animal Pa. In this embodiment, the cancer treatment system 10a has a placement member 253, which reduces the chance of the tip 252 of the optical fiber 251 coming into contact with an object other than the epidermis Pa1 of the affected animal Pa. This reduces the influence of the temperature of objects other than the epidermis Pa1 of the affected animal Pa, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature measurement of the affected animal Pa.

[0058] The arrangement member 253 is preferably more heat-insulating than the optical fiber 251. The higher heat-insulating efficiency of the arrangement member 253 compared to the optical fiber 251 reduces the transfer of heat from objects other than the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa to the optical fiber 251. This reduces the influence of objects other than the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa when measuring its temperature.

[0059] In this embodiment, since the support portion 200 has a moving mechanism 230, even if there are individual differences in the affected animal Pa, the optical fiber 251 can be moved by the moving mechanism 230 so that the tip 252 contacts the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa. This allows the tip 252 to be properly brought into contact with the skin Pa1 of the affected animal Pa, enabling accurate measurement of the temperature of the affected animal Pa. Furthermore, by moving the optical fiber 251 in the axial direction Ax, the optical fiber 251 can be moved away from the magnetic field generating unit 100. This makes it easier to perform maintenance work on the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0060] In this embodiment, the cancer treatment system 10a includes a cooling member 310 and a holding member 300. The cancer treatment system 10a cools the patient Pa with the cooling member 310, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the patient Pa associated with the application of an alternating magnetic field. This reduces the likelihood of the temperature exceeding a predetermined upper limit, thereby reducing the need to discontinue treatment or temporarily suspend the generation of the alternating magnetic field. By reducing the need to discontinue treatment or temporarily suspend the generation of the alternating magnetic field, the treatment efficiency of the cancer treatment system 10a is increased.

[0061] In this embodiment, the holding member 300 holds the cooling member 310 when the holding member 300 is wrapped around the head PT of the affected animal Pa. The support part 200 is connected to the holding member 300. As a result, the support part 200 is fixed to the head PT of the affected animal Pa via the holding member 300, so that even if the affected animal Pa moves during treatment, the tip 252 does not separate from the epidermal Pa1 of the affected animal Pa. As a result, in this embodiment, the temperature of the epidermal Pa1 of the affected animal Pa can be measured accurately. The portion of the affected animal Pa around which the holding member 300 is wrapped is not limited to the head PT, but may be any portion where the cancerous area is located.

[0062] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the support portion 200 includes a non-conductive material. The non-conductive material is, for example, a resin material. By including a non-conductive material in the support portion 200, induction heating is suppressed when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the support portion 200. Suppression of induction heating reduces the temperature rise of the support portion 200, and thus reduces the influence on temperature measurement by the temperature measuring unit 250. Furthermore, even if the affected animal Pa comes into contact with the support portion 200, the influence of the temperature of the support portion 200 on the affected animal Pa is reduced.

[0063] In this case, to position the cancerous area of ​​the patient Pa within the magnetic field generating unit 100 at the location with the strongest magnetic field, the position of the patient Pa within the magnetic field generating unit 100 may be adjusted to match the location of the cancerous area in the patient Pa. For example, when the cancerous area is in the brain, the head PT is positioned at the location with the strongest magnetic field. When the cancerous area is in the nasal cavity, the nasal cavity PN is positioned at the location with the strongest magnetic field. When the cancerous area is in the oral cavity, the oral cavity is positioned at the location with the strongest magnetic field.

[0064] Figure 9 shows the positional relationship between the patient Pa and the magnetic field generating unit 100 when the cancerous area is the brain. In the example shown in Figure 9, the head PT of the patient Pa is located approximately in the center of the magnetic field generating unit 100 in the axial direction Ax. In this case, the difference in position between the upper end 205 of the support unit 200 and the upper end 107 of the magnetic field generating unit 100 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the axial direction Ax, for example, in the Z direction, is the first positional difference Δh1.

[0065] On the other hand, Figure 10 shows the positional relationship between the affected animal Pa and the magnetic field generating unit 100 when the cancerous area is the nasal cavity PN. In the example shown in Figure 10, the nasal cavity PN of the affected animal Pa is located approximately in the center of the magnetic field generating unit 100 in the axial direction Ax. In this case, the difference in position between the upper end 205 of the support unit 200 and the upper end 107 of the magnetic field generating unit 100 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the axial direction Ax, for example, in the Z direction, is the second position difference Δh2. The second position difference Δh2 is smaller than the first position difference Δh1.

[0066] In this embodiment, the movement mechanism 230 of the support portion 200 can move the optical fiber 251 in the axial direction Ax. Therefore, even when the difference in position between the upper end 205 of the support portion 200 and the upper end 107 of the magnetic field generating portion 100 in the Z direction is small, the position of the optical fiber 251 can be adjusted so that the tip 252 contacts an appropriate part of the affected animal Pa without interfering with the magnetic field generating portion 100. Furthermore, even when the size of the affected animal Pa is large and the difference in position between the upper end 205 of the support portion 200 and the upper end 107 of the magnetic field generating portion 100 in the Z direction is small, the position of the optical fiber 251 can be adjusted so that the tip 252 contacts an appropriate part of the affected animal Pa. As a result, the accuracy of temperature measurement of the affected animal Pa is improved.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The aspects of this disclosure are, for example, as follows: <1> A cancer treatment system for treating cancer in a living organism, comprising: a magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to the cancerous area of ​​the living organism through the epidermis of the living organism; a temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature rise of the tissue of the living organism caused by the application of the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit using an optical fiber on the epidermis; and a support unit that supports the optical fiber, wherein the support unit has a pressing mechanism that presses the tip of the optical fiber against the epidermis in the direction of extension of the optical fiber; and a rotation mechanism that adjusts the inclination of the optical fiber with respect to the epidermis. <2> When the alternating magnetic field is applied to the cancerous area of ​​the living organism, the optical fiber, with its tip pressed against the epidermis by the pressing mechanism, is inclined with respect to the normal of the portion of the epidermis to which the tip is pressed. <1> This is the cancer treatment system described in [the relevant document]. <3> The optical fiber is pressed against the skin and has an arrangement member that is positioned on the part of the optical fiber other than the tip, <1> or the above <2> This is the cancer treatment system described in [the relevant document]. <4> The arrangement member is placed between the optical fiber and the heat source. <3> This is the cancer treatment system described in [the relevant document]. <5> The arrangement member has a higher thermal insulation efficiency compared to the optical fiber, <3> or the above <4> This is the cancer treatment system described in [the relevant document]. <6> The support portion has a movement mechanism that moves the optical fiber in a direction along the axial direction of the magnetic field generating portion, <1> From the above <5> It is a cancer treatment system described in one of the following documents. <7> The cooling member is placed on the living body, and the holding member holds the cooling member, <1> From the above <6> It is a cancer treatment system described in one of the following documents. <8> The holding member holds the cooling member when the holding member is wrapped around a part of the living body, and the support portion is connected to the holding member, <7> This is the cancer treatment system described in [the relevant document]. <9> The support portion includes a non-conductive material, <1> From the above <8> It is a cancer treatment system described in one of the following documents. <10> The non-conductive material is a resin material. <9> This is the cancer treatment system described in [the relevant document]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 10, 10a Cancer treatment systems 100 Magnetic field generating section 100A coil 100ai inside 100a1 Metal piping 100a2 Insulating Sheet 100a3 protective sheet 100b pipe 101 Power supply section 102 Matching section 103 Cooling section 104 Manifold 105 Hose 106 Mounting platform 107 Top 109 Non-conductive cushioning material 200 Support part 205 Top 210 Pressing mechanism 211 Spring 220 Rotation Mechanism 221 Spindle 230 Moving mechanism 231 Movable member 232 Connecting Member 250 Temperature measurement section 251 Optical Fiber 252 Tip 253 Arrangement Members 300 Retaining member 310 Cooling component Ax axis direction De stretching direction Dr Rotation Direction Ds moving direction N normal P patient Pa patient animal Pa1 Epidermis PS power supply PT head PN nasal cavity θ: Inclination angle Δh1 1st position difference Δh2 Second position difference [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0071] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-163913

Claims

1. A cancer treatment system that treats cancer in living organisms, A magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field to be applied to the cancerous area of ​​the living body via the epidermis of the living body, A temperature measuring unit measures the temperature rise of the biological tissue caused by the application of the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit to the epidermis using an optical fiber, It has a support portion that supports the optical fiber, The aforementioned support portion is A pressing mechanism for pressing the tip of the optical fiber against the skin in the direction of extension of the optical fiber, A cancer treatment system comprising a rotation mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the optical fiber with respect to the epidermis.

2. The cancer treatment system according to claim 1, wherein when the alternating magnetic field is applied to the cancerous area of ​​the living organism, the optical fiber is tilted with respect to the normal of the portion of the epidermis to which the tip is pressed by the pressing mechanism.

3. The cancer treatment system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a placement member positioned on the portion of the optical fiber other than the tip, which is pressed against the epidermis to expose the tip of the optical fiber, and the portion of the optical fiber other than the tip.

4. The cancer treatment system according to claim 3, wherein the arrangement member is arranged between the optical fiber and the heat source.

5. The cancer treatment system according to claim 3, wherein the arrangement member has higher thermal insulation efficiency compared to the optical fiber.

6. The cancer treatment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support portion has a movement mechanism for moving the optical fiber in a direction along the axial direction of the magnetic field generating portion.

7. A cooling member placed on the living body, The cancer treatment system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a holding member for holding the cooling member.

8. The holding member holds the cooling member when the holding member is wrapped around a part of the living body. The cancer treatment system according to claim 7, wherein the support portion is connected to the holding member.

9. The cancer treatment system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support portion includes a non-conductive material.

10. The cancer treatment system according to claim 9, wherein the non-conductive material is a resin material.

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