Adaptive Irradiation Field for Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately irradiating target volumes that change position and/or shape over time, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies in treatment planning and delivery.
Innovation Solution
A 3D radiation therapy system that adapts the irradiation field in real-time by registering changes in the target volume's position and shape using 3D imaging data sets, allowing for precise adjustment of the irradiation field without the need for reverification, ensuring accurate dose delivery and penetration depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the irradiation field is planned individually for each field based on 3D planning image data set, then the manufacturing precision of the irradiation field is improved, but the productivity of the treatment planning process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration of the 3D radiation treatment data set with the 3D planning image data set to obtain a transformation in advance. This transformation is then applied to automatically adapt all irradiation fields, eliminating the need for individual manual planning adjustments and significantly improving productivity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the planning image data set (radiation treatment data set) and applies geometric transformation to this copy. The transformed copy is then registered with the original planning data, allowing automatic adaptation of irradiation fields without重新planning, thus improving both efficiency and consistency.
2Measurement precision
If 2D position verification is performed to match patient position with planning, then the measurement precision of patient positioning is improved, but the reliability of dose delivery deteriorates when target volume changes position
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from 2D position verification to 3D verification by obtaining a 3D radiation treatment data set and performing 3D registration with the planning image data set. This three-dimensional approach provides more comprehensive positioning information and enables reliable dose delivery even when the target volume changes position or shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the 3D radiation treatment data set is continuously registered with the planning image data set, and the obtained transformation is used to adapt the irradiation field. This feedback mechanism ensures that dose delivery remains accurate despite changes in target volume position or shape.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the irradiation field is adapted with transformation to compensate for target volume changes, then the adaptability of the treatment system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical adjustments with computational methods. Instead of physically repositioning equipment or manually recalibrating the irradiation field, the system uses software-based 3D registration and automatic geometric transformation to adapt the treatment plan, reducing mechanical complexity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to target volume changes by modifying parameters of the irradiation field through automatic geometric transformation based on the registered transformation. This parameter-based adaptation approach provides flexibility without requiring complex hardware modifications, thus improving adaptability while controlling system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation therapy system for irradiating a target volume with a particle beam is provided. The radiation therapy system includes a radiation source that is operable to output an adjustable irradiation field that includes a particle beam that is scanned point by point over the target volume. A 3D imaging device may obtain a 3D radiation treatment data set in a radiation treatment phase. An adaptation unit adapts the irradiation field to a change in position and/or shape of the target volume in the radiation treatment phase. The adaptation unit compares the 3D radiation treatment data set with a 3D planning image data set furnished and obtains a transformation that describes the change in position and/or shape of the target volume. The adaptation unit transforms an irradiation field based on the transformation.