Particle Therapy Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

A particle beam therapy system and plan utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data is provided that can receive radiation therapy treatment information and patient MRI data and determine a radiation therapy treatment plan for use with particle beams. [Solution] Radiation therapy treatment information and patient MRI data can be used to describe the interaction characteristics of the patient's soft tissues as the particle beam passes through, and the patient MRI data can be received from a magnetic resonance imaging system integrated with the particle therapy system, and MRI data obtained during treatment can also be used to modify or optimize the particle therapy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 302,761, filed on March 2, 2016 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field. The subject matter described herein relates to devices, systems and methods for treatment planning and delivery of particle radiation therapy.

Background Art

[0003] Particle therapy typically uses a particle beam to kill cells in order to treat proliferative tissue disorders such as cancer.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Particle therapy can be used, for example, to treat a target of a patient who requires a dose of ionizing radiation for a curative effect, for an anatomical region including a macroscopically observable tumor, a microscopic disease, or a region including a margin for uncertainty in the spread, movement and / or delivery of a potential disease. The ionizing radiation delivered by the particle therapy beam destroys DNA and other important components of diseased cells and prevents cell replication.

[0005] Typical particle therapy includes a treatment plan that determines how to deliver a predetermined radiation dose to a target, and protects nearby healthy tissue by limiting the dose below an acceptable threshold to prevent lethal or debilitating side effects. Treatment planning often uses X-ray computed tomography (CT) data to determine the composition of a patient's body in conjunction with formulating a particle therapy plan.

[0005] It is.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In one aspect, a non-transitory computer program product for storing instructions is provided. The non- transitory computer program product when executed by at least one programmable processor forming part of at least one computing system, causes the at least one programmable processor to perform operations including: receiving radiation therapy treatment information of a patient; receiving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of the patient; using the patient's radiation therapy treatment information and the patient's MRI data, considering the interaction characteristics of the soft tissue through which the particle beam passes, and determining a radiation therapy treatment plan for use with the particle beam. The patient magnetic resonance imaging data can be received from a magnetic resonance imaging device integrated with the particle therapy system. In some variations, the effect of the magnetic field generated by the MRI system on the particle beam can be explained. Determining the radiation therapy treatment plan can include determining the biological effectiveness of the dose of radiation delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam. This determination can be made using the patient's magnetic resonance imaging data.

[0007] X-ray computed tomography data can be received. Determining the radiation therapy treatment plan can utilize the X-ray computed tomography data. It can be explained.

[0008] Determining the radiation therapy treatment plan can include determining the biological effectiveness of the dose of radiation delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam. This determination can be made using the patient's magnetic resonance imaging data. It can be done using the patient's magnetic resonance imaging data.

[0009] X-ray computed tomography data can be received. Determining the radiation therapy treatment plan can utilize the X-ray computed tomography data. It can utilize the X-ray computed tomography data.

[0010] The operation includes: Receiving radiation therapy beam information for the radiation therapy treatment of a patient; Receiving, during the radiation therapy treatment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of the patient using a particle beam; And Using the MRI data of the patient to perform real-time calculation of the dose deposition position of the particle beam, taking into account the interaction characteristics of the soft tissue through which the particle beam passes. This can include: The influence of the magnetic field generated by the MRI system on the particle beam can be taken into account when performing the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. This operation can include interrupting the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. This operation can also include adjusting the energy of the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. The influence of the magnetic field generated by the MRI system on the particle beam can be taken into account when performing the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. This operation can include interrupting the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. This operation can also include adjusting the energy of the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. The influence of the magnetic field generated by the MRI system on the particle beam can be taken into account when performing the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. This operation can include interrupting the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. This operation can also include adjusting the energy of the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. The influence of the magnetic field generated by the MRI system on the particle beam can be taken into account when performing the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. This operation can include interrupting the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. This operation can also include adjusting the energy of the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. The influence of the magnetic field generated by the MRI system on the particle beam can be taken into account when performing the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. This operation can include interrupting the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. This operation can also include adjusting the energy of the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. The influence of the magnetic field generated by the MRI system on the particle beam can be taken into account when performing the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. This operation can include interrupting the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. This operation can also include adjusting the energy of the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring outside the target. This can include:

[0011] The direction of the particle beam can be corrected to track the target using the patient MRI data and the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. In some variations, the direction of the particle beam can be changed through a deflection magnet. In some variations, the accumulated dose delivered to the patient during the radiation therapy treatment can be calculated using the patient MRI data and the radiation therapy beam information. The direction of the particle beam can be corrected to track the target using the patient MRI data and the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. In some variations, the direction of the particle beam can be changed through a deflection magnet. In some variations, the accumulated dose delivered to the patient during the radiation therapy treatment can be calculated using the patient MRI data and the radiation therapy beam information. The direction of the particle beam can be corrected to track the target using the patient MRI data and the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. In some variations, the direction of the particle beam can be changed through a deflection magnet. In some variations, the accumulated dose delivered to the patient during the radiation therapy treatment can be calculated using the patient MRI data and the radiation therapy beam information. The direction of the particle beam can be corrected to track the target using the patient MRI data and the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. In some variations, the direction of the particle beam can be changed through a deflection magnet. In some variations, the accumulated dose delivered to the patient during the radiation therapy treatment can be calculated using the patient MRI data and the radiation therapy beam information. This can include:

[0012] The real-time calculation of the dose deposition position can include determining the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue detected by the particle beam using the magnetic resonance imaging data of the patient. This can include: It can be. Radiation therapy treatment can be re-optimized based on the calculated dose deposition. It can be.

[0013] In one aspect, a radiation therapy system is described. The radiation therapy system can include a particle therapy delivery system for delivering radiation therapy to a patient via a particle beam. It can include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system configured to obtain MRI data of the patient during radiation therapy. The radiation therapy system can include a controller configured to receive the patient MRI data during radiation therapy and utilize the patient MRI data to perform a real-time calculation of the dose deposition position of the particle beam taking into account the interaction characteristics of the soft tissue through which the particle beam passes. The controller can be configured to interrupt the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring outside the target. The controller can be configured to determine the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam in the calculation of the dose deposition position. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. The radiation therapy system can include a magnetic resonance imaging system configured to obtain MRI data of the patient during radiation therapy. The radiation therapy system can include a controller configured to receive the patient MRI data during radiation therapy and utilize the patient MRI data to perform a real-time calculation of the dose deposition position of the particle beam taking into account the interaction characteristics of the soft tissue through which the particle beam passes. The controller can be configured to interrupt the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring outside the target. The controller can be configured to determine the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam in the calculation of the dose deposition position. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. The controller can be configured to interrupt the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring outside the target. The controller can be configured to determine the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam in the calculation of the dose deposition position. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. It can include a controller configured to perform a real-time calculation of the dose deposition position of the particle beam taking into account the interaction characteristics of the soft tissue through which the particle beam passes.

[0014] The controller can be configured to interrupt the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring outside the target. The controller can be configured to determine the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam in the calculation of the dose deposition position. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. The controller can be configured to interrupt the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring outside the target. The controller can be configured to determine the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam in the calculation of the dose deposition position. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. The controller can be configured to determine the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam in the calculation of the dose deposition position. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. The controller can be configured to determine the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam in the calculation of the dose deposition position. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. It can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data.

[0015] The controller can be configured to interrupt the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring outside the target. The controller can be configured to determine the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam in the calculation of the dose deposition position. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. The controller can be configured to interrupt the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring outside the target. The controller can be configured to determine the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam in the calculation of the dose deposition position. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. The controller can be configured to interrupt the particle beam when the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring outside the target. The controller can be configured to determine the influence of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam in the calculation of the dose deposition position. The controller can be configured to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissue by the particle beam through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data. In some cases, it can be configured to adjust the energy of the particle beam. The controller can be configured to change the direction of the particle beam by utilizing patient MRI data and real-time calculation of the dose deposition position in order to track the target.

[0016] The radiation therapy system can include a deflection magnet. The deflection magnet can be used to modify the direction of the particle beam.

[0017] In some variations, the controller can be configured to calculate the dose accumulation in the patient during radiation therapy by utilizing patient MRI data and particle beam information. The controller can be configured to re-optimize the radiation therapy based on the calculated dose deposition.

[0018] The radiation therapy system can include a dose measurement system. The dose measurement system can be used to monitor the radiation therapy for the patient. The radiation therapy system can include a magnetic shielding structure surrounding at least a portion of the dose measurement system. The magnetic shielding structure can include a plurality of shells. The plurality of shells can be separated by an annular disk.

[0019] In some variations, the radiation therapy system can include a gantry. The gantry can be configured to enable the delivery of particle beams from different angles around the patient.

[0020] In some variations, the magnetic resonance imaging system can include two split main magnets. The radiation therapy system can include an isocenter (treatment center). Two ​​​​​​​​​The two split main magnets can be separated by a plurality of battless located at a position farther from the isocenter than the outer boundary of the two split main magnets.

[0021] Details of one or more variations of the gist described in this specification are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages of the gist described in this specification will become apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. The specific features of the currently disclosed gist are described for illustrative purposes but it should be readily understood that such features are not limiting and it should be understood that this is not the case. The claims following this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the gist to be protected.

[0022] The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and form part of this specification, showing specific aspects of the gist disclosed herein, and together with the description, serve to explain some of the principles relating to the disclosed implementation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

[0024]

Figure 2

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[0027]

Figure 5A

[0028]

Figure 5B

[0029]

Figure 6

[0030] Particle therapy is a form of radiation therapy that uses powerful particle beams for the treatment of diseases such as cancer. It is a form of therapy. The particle beam can be targeted to a target within the patient, and the D of the target cells It can damage NA and other vital cellular components, ultimately causing cell death. Cancerous cells are less able to repair radiation damage than non-cancerous cells, making them particularly susceptible to particle therapy. Depending on the situation, "particle therapy" may involve, for example, protons, neutrons, antiprotons, or It is sometimes used to refer to treatment with hadrons, such as those used by physicists. It is also sometimes used to refer to treatment with hadrons, such as those used by physicists. For example, using ions or nuclei such as lithium ions, helium ions, carbon ions, etc. It can also refer to therapy with ions, e.g. carbon ions. Although it has been said that "light ions" are "therapeutic agents," the line between "light ions" and "heavy ions" is not precisely defined. No. As used herein, the terms "particle therapy", "particle radiation therapy", "particle beam", etc. refer to therapies that utilize hadrons and nuclei (or ions). Specifically, this term excludes treatments such as photon

[0031] Figure 1 is a graph 100 showing the penetration depths of various forms of radiation therapy into human tissue. For a given energy, the electron beam has a lower penetration depth into human tissue compared to other forms of radiation therapy (as shown by trace 102). The X-ray beam penetrates deeper into human tissue than electrons, but the dose absorbed by the tissue decreases with the penetration depth of the X-rays, as shown by trace 104. The particle therapy beam accumulates more energy at a specific depth in the patient's tissue at the end of its range, as shown by track 1 08. This depth near the end of its range is sometimes called the Bragg peak, shown as 108. The advantage provided by particle therapy is that less energy is accumulated in healthy tissue outside the target, reducing the potential for damage to healthy tissue. Furthermore, beyond the Bragg peak, the dose deposited is very low compared to the X-ray beam.

[0032] Before particle radiation therapy is performed, a treatment plan must be generated. The present disclosure contemplates the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in a specific manner when generating the treatment plan, which has a predicted dose deposition that closely matches the actual dose delivered to the patient and closely matches the desired dose. Also, X-ray computed tomography (CT) image data is used to include low-density and high-density tissues or regions of the patient, such as the lungs, air, and bone. intends to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in a specific manner when generating the treatment plan, which closely matches the actual dose delivered to the patient and closely matches the desired dose with a predicted dose deposition. Also, X-ray computed tomography (CT) image data is used to include low-density and high-density tissues or regions of the patient, such as the lungs, air, and bone. intends to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in a specific manner when generating the treatment plan, which closely matches the actual dose delivered to the patient and closely matches the desired dose with a predicted dose deposition. Also, X-ray computed tomography (CT) image data is used to include low-density and high-density tissues or regions of the patient, such as the lungs, air, and bone. intends to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in a specific manner when generating the treatment plan, which closely matches the actual dose delivered to the patient and closely matches the desired dose with a predicted dose deposition. Also, X-ray computed tomography (CT) image data is used to include low-density and high-density tissues or regions of the patient, such as the lungs, air, and bone. used to include low-density and high-density tissues or regions of the patient, such as the lungs, air, and bone, including the patient's tissue The mass density of the woven and patient regions can be determined. The analysis can be performed for all particle beam paths against.

[0033] Using a magnetic resonance imaging system, MRI data can be obtained and, when analyzed more accurately determine the type of soft tissue along the beam path to and through the target. Then, the particle interaction characteristics can be determined from the MRI data enabling a more accurate determination of the dose delivered to the patient's tissue and target. In addition, MRI data can enable a more accurate determination of the biological effectiveness of particle therapy.

[0034] The present disclosure contemplates that MRI data can be combined with x-ray CT data (e.g., by using deformable image registration) to improve the accuracy of chemical composition and mass density measurements and thus improve the determination of particle therapy dose. If x-ray CT data is not available, regions containing bone are determined by ultra-short echo time (TE) MR images and lung and air can be determined from proton density weighted MR images.

[0035] X-ray CT is suitable for creating a map of electron density in the human body and is useful for determining the dose delivered by photon beam irradiation therapy, since the dominant interaction probability of photons is proportional to the electron density. Electron density also correlates well with mass density in human tissue because, for low atomic number matter the nucleus has a fairly constant neutron to proton ratio. The CT Hounsfield number reflects the attenuation coefficient of human tissue for x-rays and thus the Hounsfield number represents various combinations of elemental composition, elemental weight, and mass density They may be the same for the wase, and the measured Hounsfield number is the image beam It goes without saying that it is inaccurate due to the image hardening effect and other artifacts. When defining tissues using X-ray C T and the Hounsfield number, the uncertainty in the elemental composition introduced can cause the determined range of the particle beam to be significantly incorrect. This error can, for example, lead directly to dose calculation errors because the particle stopping power is required to accurately model the dose deposition along the path of the energetic particles. This is because it is the location where the particles reach the end of their range. The uncertainty in stopping power is directly converted to uncertainty at the position of the Bragg peak 108, as shown in Fig. 1, and can move a large dose region away from the target and tumor, preventing the delivery of an effective dose to the treatment target and delivering the particle therapy dose to healthy tissue that should be shielded from the high-dose dose. This is because it is the location where the particles reach the end of their range. The uncertainty in stopping power is directly converted to uncertainty at the position of the Bragg peak 108, as shown in Fig. 1, and can move a large dose region away from the target and tumor, preventing the delivery of an effective dose to the treatment target and delivering the particle therapy dose to healthy tissue that should be shielded from the high-dose dose. Soft tissues have better contrast and definition when imaged by an MRI system on X-ray CT. As described above, X-ray CT is excellent at determining the mass density of tissues with very different densities and the definition of regions containing air or cortical bone, which is due to low contrast and low contrast, and low or high Hounsfield numbers. However,

[0036] many soft tissues have very similar densities and very different elemental compositions. For example, tissues can have a fatty (or fat-like) nature or a watery (or muscle-like) nature, and have very similar mass densities, so it is difficult to distinguish them from such X-ray CT data. The image noise, artifacts, and low contrast of X-ray CT data are current and have very similar mass densities, so it is difficult to distinguish them from such X-ray CT data. The image noise, artifacts, and low contrast of X-ray CT data are current and have very similar mass densities, so it is difficult to distinguish them from such X-ray CT data. The image noise, artifacts, and low contrast of X-ray CT data are current However, many soft tissues have very similar densities and very different elemental compositions. For example, tissues can have a fatty (or fat-like) nature or a watery (or muscle-like) nature, and have very similar mass densities, so it is difficult to distinguish them from such X-ray CT data. The image noise, artifacts, and low contrast of X-ray CT data are current and have very similar mass densities, so it is difficult to distinguish them from such X-ray CT data. The image noise, artifacts, and low contrast of X-ray CT data are current and have very similar mass densities, so it is difficult to distinguish them from such X-ray CT data. The image noise, artifacts, and low contrast of X-ray CT data are current The method often misidentifies tissue types. In the sense of stopping power , the difference in power when stopping between fat-dependent tissue (CH 2 ) or watery tissue (OH 2 ) is governed by the difference in atomic number between O and C. For energies above several tens of MeV / nucleon used in particle therapy , the ratio of power when stopping is important.

[0037] By acquiring MRI data with a pulse sequence sensitive only to water or only to fat , it becomes possible to determine the water-to-fat ratio of tissue, for example, via the Dixon method or sandwich echo. Next, in order to improve the knowledge of the elemental composition of soft tissue, the determined water-to-fat ratio in the vicinity of the treatment target can be used. MRI can obtain different "contrasts" by reading the signals of excited protons at different times and / or in different ways (the signals decay differently depending on what type of molecule the hydrogen is bound to) . Therefore, it is possible to better distinguish different tissue types using MRI and infer the chemical composition . .

[0038] The interaction between the tissue through which the particle beam passes and the particle beam (frequency and type of interaction) depends on many factors including the beam particle type, particle energy, and mass density and chemical composition of the tissue. In the case of at least charged particles, the particle interaction includes Coulomb interaction (i.e., electromagnetic interaction) . The Coulomb interaction almost always results in a small energy loss of the incident particle and / or a small deflection in direction. The deflection that spreads the beam is called Coulomb scattering. The amount of energy loss per unit length is called the stopping power . may occur. The small energy loss experienced by particles in Coulomb interactions is due to the ionization and excitation of the atoms and molecules of the tissue. The frequency of such interactions determines the ionization density along the path of the particle. The higher the ionization density, the higher the probability of cell damage. This is often measured by a quantity called linear energy transfer (LET).

[0039] Particle interactions also include nuclear interactions, which are less frequent than Coulomb interactions but far more destructive. They tend to result in the nucleus breaking into fragments (e.g., individual protons and neutrons, deuterons, tritons, lithium, alpha, etc.). The type and number of such fragments depend on the type and energy of the incident particle and the nucleus that is hit. Nuclear interactions also leave radioactive nuclei, which decay and deposit additional dose.

[0040] Nuclear interactions and Coulomb scattering strongly depend on the atomic number of the nucleus. They both result in the broadening of the Bragg peak. In the case of ions, nuclear interactions also cause the tail of the dose deposited beyond the Bragg peak. When there is heterogeneity in the beam path (e.g., cavities, bone), Coulomb scattering results in a complex dose deposition structure behind the heterogeneity.

[0041] When the term interaction characteristics is used herein, it means any combination of interaction characteristics such as the Coulomb interactions and nuclear interactions described above. For example, in the treatment planning of radiotherapy or for real-time MRI guidance, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure utilize the number of interaction characteristics necessary to determine the position and amount of dose in a patient's tissue.

[0042] ​ "Heavy ions", such as carbon ions, tend to have a much more destructive effect on cells than protons. These nuclear interaction fragments have a high LET and tend to deposit their energy locally around the interaction site. This is the main mechanism of carbon ions, which have a much higher "biological effectiveness" than protons. This leads to more cells being killed (or damaged) per unit energy deposited in tissue for ions compared to photons, electrons, and even protons. The energy deposited in tissue is called the absorbed dose, measured in grays (Gy). An absorbed dose of 1 Gy from a carbon ion beam kills 3 to 12 times more cells than an absorbed dose of 1 Gy from photons or electron beams, due to this difference in biological effectiveness.

[0043] In particle therapy, the determination of biological effectiveness is beneficial and even necessary for appropriate treatment. There are several different ways to determine the biological effect. For example, the determination of the biologically effective dose (BED) aims to quantify the biological effect of a specific radiotherapy considering a number of factors such as other factors like the type of treatment, dose per fraction, dose rate, etc. In addition, the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) is the ratio comparing the absorbed dose of a specific treatment modality to the absorbed dose for photon therapy, where each dose results in the same biological effect.

[0044] For protons, the RBE has long been assumed to be constant at about 1.1, but some researchers claim this leads to suboptimal planning results. The RBE of protons is 1.0 Since it is very close to this, neglecting such calculations of biological effectiveness will not have much effect on treatment. However, for neutrons, ions, mesons, etc., the RBE is much higher and must be considered. Otherwise, it may have a very large impact on treatment.

[0045] To determine biological effectiveness, it is necessary to know both the interaction characteristics of the material or tissue through which the beam passes and the energy spectrum of the incident beam. Therefore, accurate knowledge of the chemical composition of the tissue is essential for the accurate determination of biological effectiveness. Also, it is important to determine the location where the incident particle beam loses most of its energy (i.e., the Bragg peak). In addition, the contributions of nuclear reactions, tissue activation, time-dose fractionation, and cell damage recovery to the dose distribution can be incorporated into the determination of biological effectiveness. For these reasons, patient MRI data is important in the determination of biological effectiveness, as well as in dose calculation and treatment planning. Patient MRI data is important in the determination of biological effectiveness, as well as in dose calculation and treatment planning. the energy spectrum of the incident beam. Therefore, accurate knowledge of the chemical composition of the tissue is essential for the accurate determination of biological effectiveness. Also, it is important to determine the location where the incident particle beam loses most of its energy (i.e., the Bragg peak). In addition, the contributions of nuclear reactions, tissue activation, time-dose fractionation, and cell damage recovery to the dose distribution can be incorporated into the determination of biological effectiveness. For these reasons, patient MRI data is important in the determination of biological effectiveness, as well as in dose calculation and treatment planning. the energy spectrum of the incident beam. Therefore, accurate knowledge of the chemical composition of the tissue is essential for the accurate determination of biological effectiveness. Also, it is important to determine the location where the incident particle beam loses most of its energy (i.e., the Bragg peak). In addition, the contributions of nuclear reactions, tissue activation, time-dose fractionation, and cell damage recovery to the dose distribution can be incorporated into the determination of biological effectiveness. For these reasons, patient MRI data is important in the determination of biological effectiveness, as well as in dose calculation and treatment planning. the energy spectrum of the incident beam. Therefore, accurate knowledge of the chemical composition of the tissue is essential for the accurate determination of biological effectiveness. Also, it is important to determine the location where the incident particle beam loses most of its energy (i.e., the Bragg peak). In addition, the contributions of nuclear reactions, tissue activation, time-dose fractionation, and cell damage recovery to the dose distribution can be incorporated into the determination of biological effectiveness. For these reasons, patient MRI data is important in the determination of biological effectiveness, as well as in dose calculation and treatment planning. Patient MRI data is important in the determination of biological effectiveness, as well as in dose calculation and treatment planning. the energy spectrum of the incident beam. Therefore, accurate knowledge of the chemical composition of the tissue is essential for the accurate determination of biological effectiveness. Also, it is important to determine the location where the incident particle beam loses most of its energy (i.e., the Bragg peak). In addition, the contributions of nuclear reactions, tissue activation, time-dose fractionation, and cell damage recovery to the dose distribution can be incorporated into the determination of biological effectiveness. For these reasons, patient MRI data is important in the determination of biological effectiveness, as well as in dose calculation and treatment planning.

[0046] MRI data can also be used to evaluate the tissue element composition and accurate dose calculation for the evaluation of the quality of the delivery plan before delivery. If the quality of the dose to be delivered is insufficient, the data collected at setup can be used to re-optimize the particle therapy treatment plan before delivery. This can be done immediately before the delivery of the treatment, either while the patient is in the treatment room or before the patient arrives for the actual treatment. or before the patient arrives for the actual treatment. or before the patient arrives for the actual treatment.

[0047] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method 200 for radiotherapy treatment planning for particle beam therapy using MRI data realizable by software, and this method relates to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method 200 for radiotherapy treatment planning for particle beam therapy using MRI data realizable by software, and this method relates to the present disclosure. It has one or more features. The software may be implemented using one or more data processors that may be part of the system controller. The software can be implemented using one or more data processors. The software can include a plurality of machine-readable instructions executed by one or more data processors, and can cause one or more operations to be performed on one or more data processors.

[0048] In 202 of FIG. 2, treatment information for the patient's radiotherapy can be received. The patient's radiotherapy treatment information may include data such as, for example, the minimum dose required for the target tumor, the maximum dose tolerated by the organ of interest, etc. The patient's radiotherapy treatment information described herein is not intended to be limiting. The patient radiotherapy treatment information received in the radiotherapy treatment planning system can include treatment information typical of radiotherapy treatment planning.

[0049] In 204, the patient's MRI data can be received. In some variations, the patient MRI data can be received from a magnetic resonance imaging device integrated with the particle therapy system. The patient MRI data can include the region of interest for treatment, where the region of interest is the target treatment region of the patient and surrounding tissues through which the radiotherapy beam can pass and for which the radiation dose should be monitored. The MRI data may be taken before treatment at a location different from that of the treatment itself, or the MRI data can be obtained on the treatment table where the MRI is integrated with the particle beam therapy system.

[0050] At 206, determining a radiation therapy treatment plan for use with the particle beam. Radiation therapy treatment planning utilizes the patient's radiation therapy treatment information and Utilizing patient MRI data to consider the interaction characteristics of the patient's soft tissue through which the device passes A radiation therapy treatment plan may include, for example, the number of beams to be utilized, the number of beams to be delivered, and the number of beams to be delivered. Includes beam direction, beam energy, collimator configuration, etc.

[0051] Radiation therapy treatment planning decisions also require accounting for the effects of MRI magnetic fields on particle beams. This is because the strong magnetic field of the MRI is used to deliver a dose of ionizing radiation to the patient. The cross section of the interaction depends on the polarization of the pins, which competes with thermal effects. not strongly affected (for example, at body temperature only about 4 ppm of spins align in a 1 Tesla magnetic field) However, magnetic fields exert an external Lorentz force on moving charged particles, allowing for more accurate dosimeters. This can be taken into account in making calculations.

[0052] Radiation therapy treatment planning also utilizes magnetic resonance imaging data from patients to determine particle beam size. This may include determining the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the patient's soft tissues by the .

[0053] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a particle therapy system 300 having one or more features in accordance with the present disclosure. To give the particles energy, they are first accelerated by the particle accelerator 302. The particle accelerator may be a synchrotron, a cyclotron, a linear accelerator, etc. A synchrotron can be either a low-energy cyclotron or a low-energy linear accelerator. The energy of the particle beam 304, before any downstream adjustments, may be provided by Determine the penetration depth of the exciting particles into patient 306. The particle accelerator typically generates an exciting particle beam having a specified energy. In some variations, for example, the energy of the particles can be reduced by passing the beam through a damping medium. It is preferable to keep away from the patient due to secondary neutrons that can increase the unwanted dose to the patient. The damping medium can be a wheel that can be rotated to increase or decrease the energy, or a wedge of material on a linear drive. The maximum energy is obtained by not applying a damping material in the beam. The minimum value is obtained by applying the thickest amount of damping material in the beam. For known materials, the thickness that stops all exciting particles from reaching the patient can be determined to stop or interrupt the beam without stopping the system. The synchrotron can also be configured to control the beam energy by increasing or decreasing the number of passes through the accelerating elements in the synchrotron ring. In principle, the linear accelerator can also change the number of accelerating units to several fixed energies over a limited range. With appropriate equipment, energy changes from pulse to pulse are possible. In some variations, the particle therapy gantry 312 can be used to direct the excited particle beam 304 towards the patient 306. The patient 306 can be placed on the couch 314 inside the center of the particle therapy gantry 312. The particle therapy gantry 312 comprises gantry electromagnets 316 configured to direct the beam towards the patient 306 via a dosimetry system 318.

[0054]

[0055] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ can include.

[0056] The particle therapy gantry 312 can be configured to rotate to facilitate delivery of particle therapy at different angles. In some variations, the particle therapy gantry 312 can be configured to rotate 36 0 degrees. One or more slip rings can be used to facilitate power supply to an electromagnet disposed on the particle therapy gantry 312. In some variations, the particle therapy gantry 312 can be configured to rotate in an approximately 360-degree rotation field. In such a variation, the particle therapy gantry 3 12 can rotate in one direction as far as it can and then rotate back in the other direction. By rotating the particle therapy gantry 312 around the patient 306, delivery of the energy-imparting particle beam 304 to the target at different angles can be facilitated, saving healthy tissue and improving the quality of the treatment plan. The particle therapy gantry 312 can include a scanning beam magnet 320. The scanning beam magnet 320 can include, for example, a pair of electromagnets. The pair of electromagnets can be arranged to have magnetic fields in planes orthogonal to each other. The scanning beam magnet 320 can be configured to act on the direction of the energized particle beam 304. In some variations the scanning beam magnet 320 can be configured to scan the excited particle beam back and forth across the treatment target of the patient. In some variations, the system can include a fixed beam line 322. The fixed beam line 322 can pass through the dosimetry system 318 without a gantry.

[0057]

[0058] ​​​​​​​​​ configured to deliver energized particles directly to the patient. The system may also include one or more scanning beam electromagnets 320 configured to modify the direction of the energized particles of the fixed beam .

[0059] The particle therapy system may also include a scatterer. The scatterer may be configured to scatter the excitation particle beam 304 outwardly. The system may also include a beam wobbler or a raster scanning mechanism for spreading the beam. The system may also include a collimator . . The collimator may be a multi-leaf collimator including a plurality of thin metal blades . The thin metal blades may be movable and their positions may be controlled by a computer . The thin metal blades may be configured to absorb energy particles . The thin metal blades are arranged by a controller such that, for example, the shape of the aperture they form is complementary to the target within the patient . In this way, the collimator facilitates shielding of healthy tissue surrounding the target while allowing the excited particles to penetrate the target . In some variations, a collimator engraved in a permanent shape may be used . Similarly, a bolus may be placed in the path of the energized particle beam 304 and may be formed of a material that is semi-transparent to the energized particles and may be engraved to complement the shape of the tumor . . . .

[0060] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a radiation therapy delivery system 400 having one or more features according to the present disclosure . The particle therapy delivery system 400 is similar to the elements of the system 300 shown in FIG. 3 can have one or more elements. The radiation therapy system 40 according to the present disclosure 0 is a particle therapy delivery system for delivering radiation therapy to a patient via a particle beam, and is configured to acquire magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of the patient during radiation therapy a magnetic resonance imaging system 402, and receives the patient's MRI data during radiation therapy and uses the patient MRI data to calculate the interaction characteristics of the soft tissue of the patient through which the particle beam passes and perform real-time calculation of the dose deposition position of the particle beam(s) taking into account a controller 424 configured to do so.

[0061] The particle therapy delivery system 400 may have a split magnet MRI 402. The split magnet MR I402 can include two split main magnets 404 and 406. The radiation therapy system can include an isocenter 407. The two split main magnets 404 and 406 can be separated by a plurality of batless 408. The plurality of batless 408 are placed away from the isocenter 407 from the outer boundaries of the two split main magnets 404 and 406 can be. The two split main magnets 404, 406 are each called one magnet, but this term is not limiting. The two split main magnets 404, 406 can each include a plurality of magnets for the purpose of obtaining the patient's MRI data.

[0062] The split MRI system is shown in FIG. 4 for illustrative purposes only. The MRI system used can be any type of MRI system. For example, the main magnet can include a vertical open magnet, a short bore magnet, a portal or a magnet with a thin portion, etc.

[0063] The patient table 410 can be arranged within the segmented MRI system 402. The segmented MRI system 402 can be configured to receive a patient 412 on the patient table 410 through the internal openings of two segmented main magnets 404 and 406.

[0064] The segmented magnet MRI system 402, the patient table 410, and the patient 412 can all be arranged within a particle therapy gantry, such as the gantry 312 shown in FIG. 3 for example. The particle therapy gantry can be configured to rotate around the patient 412 to deliver particle therapy to the patient from multiple angles.

[0065] A plurality of buckles 408 can be arranged between the two main MRI magnets 404 and 406 and are arranged within the outer perimeters of the two main MRI magnets 404 and 406 so as not to further increase the overall diameter of the MRI system. The system can include, for example, three buckles 408 spaced at equal angles around the two main MRI magnets 404 and 406. This system can be operated such that the particle beam is directed towards the patient between the segmented magnets. It is arranged in such a way that it does not move through any of the buckles 408.

[0066] This system can be configured to facilitate the delivery of particles energized and biased towards the patient such that the energized particles are directed towards the gap 419 between the two main MRI magnets 404 and 406.

[0067] The particle therapy delivery system 400 can include a dosimetry system 416 for monitoring radiation therapy to the patient. The dosimetry system 416 can also be connected to, for example, One or more components can be included to facilitate the delivery of particle therapy to a patient by providing feedback. or more components.

[0068] The particle therapy delivery system 400 may include, for example, one or more magnetic shielding structures 420 that can surround at least a portion of a dosimetry system. The magnetic shielding structure 4 20 can be configured to house electronic equipment that may be adversely affected by the magnetic fields generated by the main MRI magnets 404 and 406. by the magnetic fields generated by the main MRI magnets 404 and 406. can be configured to house electronic equipment that may be adversely affected by the magnetic fields generated by the main MRI magnets 404 and 406.

[0069] Figures 5A - 5B show an exemplary magnetic shielding structure 500 for shielding at least a portion of a dosimetry system 502 of a particle therapy delivery stem having one or more features according to the present disclosure. The magnetic shielding structure 500 can include a plurality of shells. The plurality of shells can be formed from a series of concentric shields configured to shield the magnetic fields generated by the split magnet MRI system 402 shown in FIG. 4. The concentric shields can be configured to surround at least a portion of the dosimetry system 502. can be formed from a series of concentric shields configured to shield the magnetic fields generated by the split magnet MRI system 402 shown in FIG. 4. The concentric shields can be configured to surround at least a portion of the dosimetry system 502. can be formed from a series of concentric shields configured to shield the magnetic fields generated by the split magnet MRI system 402 shown in FIG. 4. The concentric shields can be configured to surround at least a portion of the dosimetry system 502. system 502. system 502.

[0070] The magnetic shielding structure 500 can include a first shield container 504. The first shield container 504 can include a cylindrical body portion 506 and an annular disk 508 disposed across one end of the cylindrical body portion. The annular disk 508 can include an opening 510 that allows particles to pass through unobstructed. In some variations, The first shield container 504 can include a cylindrical body portion 506 and an annular disk 508 disposed across one end of the cylindrical body portion. The annular disk 508 can include an opening 510 that allows particles to pass through unobstructed. The annular disk 508 can include an opening 510 that allows particles to pass through unobstructed. In some variations, the first shield container 504 can have a diameter of about 17 inches. The diameter of the first shield container 504 is sufficient to house at least a portion of the components of the dosimetry system 502. In some variations, the first shield container 504 can have a diameter of about 17 inches. The diameter of the first shield container 504 is sufficient to house at least a portion of the components of the dosimetry system 502. The diameter of the first shield container 504 is sufficient to house at least a portion of the components of the dosimetry system 502. can be selected to accommodate.

[0071] The magnetic shielding structure 500 can comprise a plurality of shells. For example, 504 in FIG. 5B , 512 and 514, etc. The plurality of shells 504, 512, 514 can be nested together. At least one of the plurality of shells preferably includes annular discs 516, 518, etc.

[0072] The magnetic shielding structure 500 can be arranged at a fixed position relative to the split magnet MRI system 402, or can be configured to rotate as shown in gantry 312 in FIG. 3, or together with the gantry. One or more structures can be arranged on the opposite side of or around the split magnet MRI system 402 and are configured to mimic the magnetic properties of the magnetic shielding structure 500. This is to minimize interference with the uniformity of the MRI magnetic field.

[0073] The particle therapy delivery system 400 shown in FIG. 4 can include a controller 424. The controller 424 can be configured to communicate electronically with the particle therapy delivery system 300 as shown in FIG. 3, and, as shown in FIG. 4, can receive data from the system 400 and control the system 400. The controller 424 can also be configured to receive patient MRI data from the split magnet MR I system 402 and can control the split magnet MRI system 402.

[0074] The controller 424 utilizes patient MRI data and particle beam information during radiotherapy. ​​It may be configured to calculate the dose accumulation to a patient. The patient's MRI data, along with information regarding the particle beam, is used to calculate where and to what extent the dose accumulates in the patient's tissue over time. The actual dose exposure can be accumulated such that the total dose is known after a specific fraction of the treatment. This information can then be used to re-optimize the treatment plan prior to a portion of the subsequent treatment. Furthermore, the calculated real-time dose exposure information can be utilized to improve or re-optimize the treatment plan of radiation therapy during treatment delivery. The controller 424 can be configured to utilize software to perform real-time calculations of dose deposition locations. The software can include a plurality of machine-readable instructions. The controller 424 can include one or more data processors configured to execute the machine-readable instructions. Execution of the plurality of machine-readable instructions by the data processor can cause the data processor to perform one or more operations, such as one or more of the operations described in the present disclosure. The controller 424 can be configured to utilize the received MRI data to calculate the Bragg peak of the particle beam relative to the location of the treatment target. The controller 424 can further be configured to change the patient's treatment beam where it is determined that the Bragg peak of the beam is not properly positioned relative to the treatment target. As discussed with respect to the treatment plan, real-time MRI data is used to determine the location of the treatment target within the patient's body.

[0075] It may be configured to calculate the dose accumulation to a patient. The patient's MRI data, along with information regarding the particle beam, is used to calculate where and to what extent the dose accumulates in the patient's tissue over time. The actual dose exposure can be accumulated such that the total dose is known after a specific fraction of the treatment. This information can then be used to re-optimize the treatment plan prior to a portion of the subsequent treatment. Furthermore, the calculated real-time dose exposure information can be utilized to improve or re-optimize the treatment plan of radiation therapy during treatment delivery. The controller 424 can be configured to utilize software to perform real-time calculations of dose deposition locations. The software can include a plurality of machine-readable instructions. The controller 424 can include one or more data processors configured to execute the machine-readable instructions. Execution of the plurality of machine-readable instructions by the data processor can cause the data processor to perform one or more operations, such as one or more of the operations described in the present disclosure. The controller 424 can be configured to utilize the received MRI data to calculate the Bragg peak of the particle beam relative to the location of the treatment target. The controller 424 can further be configured to change the patient's treatment beam where it is determined that the Bragg peak of the beam is not properly positioned relative to the treatment target. As discussed with respect to the treatment plan, real-time MRI data is used to determine the location of the treatment target within the patient's body. It may be configured to calculate the dose accumulation to a patient. The patient's MRI data, along with information regarding the particle beam, is used to calculate where and to what extent the dose accumulates in the patient's tissue over time. The actual dose exposure can be accumulated such that the total dose is known after a specific fraction of the treatment. This information can then be used to re-optimize the treatment plan prior to a portion of the subsequent treatment. Furthermore, the calculated real-time dose exposure information can be utilized to improve or re-optimize the treatment plan of radiation therapy during treatment delivery. The controller 424 can be configured to utilize software to perform real-time calculations of dose deposition locations. The software can include a plurality of machine-readable instructions. The controller 424 can include one or more data processors configured to execute the machine-readable instructions. Execution of the plurality of machine-readable instructions by the data processor can cause the data processor to perform one or more operations, such as one or more of the operations described in the present disclosure.

[0076] The controller 424 can be configured to utilize the received MRI data to calculate the Bragg peak of the particle beam relative to the location of the treatment target. The controller 424 can further be configured to change the patient's treatment beam where it is determined that the Bragg peak of the beam is not properly positioned relative to the treatment target. As discussed with respect to the treatment plan, real-time MRI data is used to determine the location of the treatment target within the patient's body. It may be configured to calculate the dose accumulation to a patient. The patient's MRI data, along with information regarding the particle beam, is used to calculate where and to what extent the dose accumulates in the patient's tissue over time. The actual dose exposure can be accumulated such that the total dose is known after a specific fraction of the treatment. This information can then be used to re-optimize the treatment plan prior to a portion of the subsequent treatment. Furthermore, the calculated real-time dose exposure information can be utilized to improve or re-optimize the treatment plan of radiation therapy during treatment delivery. The controller 424 can be configured to utilize software to perform real-time calculations of dose deposition locations.

[0077] As discussed with respect to the treatment plan, real-time MRI data is used to determine the location of the treatment target within the patient's body. The positions of adipose-like and aqueous tissues can be determined by the ability of MRI to distinguish between the two. The water-to-fat tissue ratio of the beam path through the patient can be determined so that the patient's tissue interaction characteristics can be determined in real time during treatment.

[0078] A particle interaction characteristic map can be generated in real time to enhance the accuracy of dose and range calculations. Determining the interaction characteristics of energetic particles and the patient's tissues in real time can facilitate higher accuracy and effectiveness in the delivery of particle therapy as the patient is being treated. By having a more accurate image of the Bragg peak position relative to the treatment target, the Bragg peak can be positioned more accurately. This can serve to increase the radiation dose to the target without increasing the risk of irradiating surrounding healthy tissue. useful.

[0079] The controller 424 may also be configured to determine the effect of the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system on the particle beam. As described above, this is important when calculating the position of dose deposition.

[0080] The controller 424 may further be configured to utilize the patient's magnetic resonance imaging data to determine the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to soft tissue by the particle beam.

[0081] The MRI data provided in real time can also facilitate the determination of the exact position and / or velocity of tissues in addition to predicting tissue trajectories. This information can also be used to provide a prediction of where the treatment target is, and as a result, the controller 424 The system 400 can supply a particle beam to the location.

[0082] The controller 424 may be configured to interrupt the particle beam if the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose deposition is occurring off-target. The position of the treatment target can be determined from MRI data obtained during the treatment planning phase. During treatment, the position of the target may change due to changes in the patient's anatomical structure. For example, weight loss, a full stomach, gas, etc. can cause a relative change in the position of the treatment target between patient imaging and treatment of the patient. This increases the risk that the treatment will not be effective and that at least a portion of the untreated treatment target and / or healthy tissue will be damaged by the particle beam because of this. Additionally, the position of the treatment area may move during delivery of particle therapy to the patient due to the patient's voluntary or involuntary movements, such as fidgeting, breathing, gas movement, etc. The real-time calculation of the dose deposition position can be used to determine for the controller 424 whether the dose is being deposited at its intended target, or alternatively, whether the dose is off-target. If the dose is off-target, the controller 424 can block the particle beam to avoid radiation dose to healthy tissue and can maintain the beam interruption until the calculated dose deposition position once again matches the target. The controller 424 may be configured to adjust the energy of the particle beam if the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring off-target.

[0083] The controller 424 may be configured to adjust the energy of the particle beam if the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring off-target. If real-time calculation of the position of dose exposure indicates that the dose is off target, particularly if the dose is simply deposited on the length of the target or deposited beyond the target, the controller may be configured to increase or decrease the energy of the particle beam. As a result , the position of dose deposition again matches the target. The energy of the particle beam can be modified at the source, or downstream from the source.

[0084] The controller 424 can utilize the patient MRI data and real-time calculation of the dose deposition position to be configured to change the direction of the particle beam to track the target. If real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the dose is off target, particularly if the beam's target is off target in the lateral direction (rather than in depth), the controller may be configured to correct the direction of the particle beam so that the dose deposition position again matches the target. For example, the radiation therapy system 400 can include a deflection magnet 426, also sometimes called a scanning beam magnet. The direction of the particle beam can be changed via the deflection magnet to deflect the beam's trajectory using magnetic force. The deflection magnet is typically an electromagnet, where the strength of the magnetic force generated in the electromagnet can be modified by applying a varying amount of current between the electromagnets.

[0085] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 of radiation therapy treatment for particle beam therapy using MRI data, which may be implemented by software and which has one or more features according to the present disclosure. The software may be stored on one or more It can be implemented using a data processor. The software contains a plurality of machine-readable instructions, and when executed by one or more data processors, it can cause one or more data processors to perform one or more operations. Method 600 is an example of an operation that can be performed by controller 424 as discussed herein ..

[0086] At 602, radiotherapy beam information for radiotherapy treatment of a patient using a particle beam can be received. The radiotherapy beam information can include one or more characteristics of the particle beam. The one or more characteristics can include indications such as the penetration ability of the particle beam, the spreading characteristics of the particle beam, the number of particle beams, etc.

[0087] At 604, patient magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data can be received during radiotherapy treatment.

[0088] At 606, using the patient MRI data, taking into account the interaction characteristics of the patient's soft tissues, as discussed herein, real-time calculation of the dose deposition position of the particle beam through which the particle beam passes can be performed. The influence of the magnetic field generated by the MRI system on the particle beam can also be taken into account. As described above, it is for performing real-time calculation of the dose deposition position. And through the utilization of the patient magnetic resonance imaging data, the determination of the biological effectiveness of the dose delivered to the soft tissues by the particle beam can also be performed in conjunction with real-time dose calculation.

[0089] At 608, the real-time calculation of the dose deposition position is such that the deposition is occurring off-target​​​​​​​​​​ When indicating this, the particle beam can be interrupted.

[0090] In some variations, when real-time calculation of the dose deposition position indicates that the deposition is occurring off-target, the energy of the particle beam can be adjusted. In other variations, real-time calculation of the dose deposition position can be performed to change the direction of the particle beam in order to track the target using the patient's MRI data.

[0091] The components are described herein in terms of individual functions and capabilities, but the functionality of the individually described components can result from one or more of the other components, or can be readily understood to be divisible among separate components. This disclosure is not limited to the exact variations described herein, but is intended to encompass all implementations of the gist currently being described.

[0092] In the foregoing and the claims, phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more" may be followed by a list of subsequent elements or functions. The term "and / or" may be present within a list of two or more elements or features. Unless explicitly or implicitly in conflict with the content, such phrases are intended to mean any one of the listed elements or features individually or any combination of the listed elements or features. Used in combination with any one of the other listed elements or features. For example, "at least one of A and B", "one or more of A and B", and "A and / or B" each mean "A alone, B alone, or "A and B together". For a list containing three or more items, However, a similar interpretation is intended. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C,” “ one or more of A, B, and C” and “A, B and / or C” each mean “ A alone, B alone,” only C, “A and B together,” “A and C together,” “B and C together ,” or “A, B, and C together.” The use of the term “based on” in the foregoing and in the claims is intended to mean “at least in part based on” and features or elements not recited are also permitted.

[0093] The gist described herein can be embodied in a system, apparatus, method, and / or article according to a desired configuration. The embodiments described in the foregoing description do not represent all embodiments that conform to the gist described herein. Instead, they are merely examples that conform to aspects related to the recited gist. Although several such variations have been detailed above, other changes or additions are possible. In particular, in addition to what is described herein , further features and / or variations can be provided. For example, the foregoing embodiments can be directed to those that include various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, and / or combinations thereof, and sub-combinations of some of the further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows shown in the accompanying drawings and / or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order or sequential order shown to achieve a desired result . Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims. ​

Claims

1. A particle radiation therapy delivery system for delivering particle radiation therapy to a patient via a particle beam, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system configured to acquire MRI data of the patient during delivery of the particle radiation therapy, a dosimetry system for monitoring the particle radiation therapy to the patient, a magnetic shielding structure surrounding at least a portion of the dosimetry system and configured to shield the magnetic field generated by the magnetic resonance imaging system, a controller, receiving particle radiation therapy beam information during delivery of the particle radiation therapy, receiving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of the patient during delivery of the particle radiation therapy, a controller configured to perform real-time calculation of the dose deposition position of the particle beam using the patient's MRI data and the particle radiation therapy beam information, taking into account the interaction characteristics of the soft tissue through which the particle beam passes, comprising, The controller is further configured to calculate the dose deposition to the patient during delivery of the particle radiation therapy using the patient's MRI data and the particle radiation therapy beam information, a particle radiation therapy system.

2. The particle radiation therapy system according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic shielding structure comprises a plurality of shells.

3. The particle radiation therapy system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to re-optimize the particle radiation therapy based on the calculated dose deposition.

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