Adaptive Beam Shaping for Real-Time Radiotherapy Target Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiotherapy methods struggle with accurately delivering radiation to shifting target regions due to patient movement, requiring time-consuming and resource-intensive re-imaging and repositioning, which prolongs treatment sessions and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for adaptively controlling a radiotherapy apparatus by generating a revised treatment plan based on real-time positional shifts of the target, using a beam shaping apparatus like a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) to adjust the radiation beam during treatment, minimizing the need for pauses and repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If re-imaging and repositioning are performed to correct target position shifts, then treatment accuracy is improved, but treatment time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical repositioning process with a computational approach. The treatment plan is dynamically adjusted using algorithms that recalculate beam parameters based on detected target position shifts, eliminating the need for physical repositioning of the patient or equipment while maintaining treatment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic treatment planning where the treatment plan is continuously updated during beam delivery based on real-time position monitoring. This allows the system to adapt to target motion without interrupting treatment, transforming a static treatment process into a dynamic one that responds to changing conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If re-imaging and repositioning are performed to correct target position shifts, then treatment accuracy is improved, but resource consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces resource-intensive mechanical repositioning operations with computational recalculations. The system uses existing position monitoring data to dynamically adjust treatment parameters, eliminating the need for repeated imaging and manual repositioning that consume significant time and resources
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting target position shifts and adjusting the treatment plan without external intervention. The computational system recalculates optimal beam parameters based on monitored position changes, enabling the treatment to adapt itself without requiring additional imaging resources or manual repositioning
3Manufacturing precision
If treatment is paused for re-imaging and repositioning, then accurate dose delivery is improved, but treatment continuity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous beam delivery by implementing real-time position monitoring and dynamic treatment plan adjustment during irradiation. The system continuously updates beam parameters based on target position feedback without interrupting the radiation delivery, maintaining both accuracy and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where target position is continuously monitored during treatment and this information is used to dynamically adjust the treatment plan. The position monitoring system provides real-time feedback that triggers automatic recalculation and adjustment of beam parameters, ensuring accurate dose delivery while maintaining treatment continuity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and computer-readable media for controlling a radiotherapy apparatus are disclosed. A method for controlling a radiotherapy apparatus comprises obtaining a first treatment plan comprising positioning information of a beam shaping apparatus of the radiotherapy apparatus; receiving, during delivery of a radiation therapeutic beam to a target on a patient, information including a positional shift of the target; and generating a revised treatment plan based on the first treatment plan, the generating of the revised treatment plan comprising determining an updated configuration of the beam shaping apparatus from the positioning information of the first treatment plan based on the positional shift of the target.