Adaptive External Beam Therapy Using Internal Dose Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a dosimetric framework that integrates dosimetric data from internal radiation treatments into external beam radiation therapy, hindering the seamless implementation and adaptation of treatment plans due to anatomical and physiological changes in patients during therapy.
Innovation Solution
A dual modality radiation protocol that incorporates internal dosimetric data into an automated adaptive workflow for external beam radiation therapy, allowing real-time adaptation of treatment plans based on internal radiation therapy data, using radiopharmaceutical uptake information to generate and optimize treatment plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If internal radiation therapy is used to deliver radiation to target volumes, then the radiation can be delivered with high precision to the tumor site, but the anatomical and physiological changes during treatment cause the actual dose distribution to differ from the planned distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by acquiring post-therapy dosimetric images to measure actual radiopharmaceutical distribution and comparing it against planned distribution. This feedback loop enables identification of dosimetric discrepancies and triggers adaptive modifications to subsequent treatment plans, ensuring reliable dose delivery despite anatomical changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment plan is made dynamic through adaptive modifications based on observed anatomical and physiological changes during therapy. The system continuously updates treatment parameters in response to changing patient anatomy, transforming a static treatment plan into a dynamic, patient-specific adaptation that maintains dosimetric accuracy throughout the therapy course.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive radiation therapy is implemented to adjust treatment plans based on anatomical changes, then the treatment can be optimized for current patient anatomy, but the complexity of the treatment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated algorithms that self-adjust treatment plans based on input data from dosimetric images and patient anatomy. The automated plan modification process reduces the need for manual intervention, allowing the system to adapt treatment parameters autonomously in response to anatomical changes, thereby managing complexity through automation rather than manual processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptive therapy process modifies treatment parameters such as radiation dose, beam angles, and target volume definitions based on changes in patient anatomy observed during therapy. By systematically adjusting these parameters in response to measured anatomical variations, the system achieves adaptability while maintaining a structured approach to parameter modification that manages process complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If treatment plans are modified to account for anatomical changes during therapy, then the actual received dose distribution can match the planned distribution, but the treatment time and workflow duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring dosimetric images and analyzing anatomical changes before implementing treatment modifications. This advance measurement and analysis allows for proactive plan adjustments rather than reactive corrections, reducing the time required for treatment adaptation by preparing modification data in advance of the actual treatment delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptive therapy process maintains continuity by continuously integrating dosimetric data and anatomical information into the treatment workflow without interrupting radiation delivery. The system processes imaging data and modifies treatment parameters in an ongoing manner, ensuring that useful action (treatment delivery) continues uninterrupted while still achieving precise dose distribution through continuous adaptation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and adaptive radiation therapy by integrating internal dosimetric data into external beam therapy, ensuring accurate dose delivery and minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
administering a radiopharmaceutical to the patient; and generating a dosimetric image of the radiopharmaceutical activity distribution within the patient
Implementation Method 2
External radiation beam therapy (ERBT) involves medical procedures that use external radiation beams to treat pathological anatomies (tumors, lesions, vascular malformations, nerve disorders, etc.) by delivering prescribed doses of radiation (X-rays, gamma rays, electrons, protons, and/or ions) to the pathological anatomy
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for internal dose adapted automated external radiation beam therapy, and systems and methods for an automated adaptive workflow to automatically generate a radiation treatment plan based on the internal dose and adapt the treatment plan to a current treatment session using a set of directives.