Adaptive Radiation Therapy Imaging System for Anatomical Change Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation therapy treatment plans often become outdated due to anatomical changes in patients during treatment, leading to potential unnecessary radiation exposure or inadequate treatment delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that adapt treatment plans by comparing planning images with real-time images obtained through scans of varying dose levels, determining if significant anatomical changes require a higher dose level scan, and generating updated treatment plans accordingly, which can be delivered by a radiation treatment device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a treatment plan is generated before treatment starts and delivered during multiple treatment fractions, then the treatment can be delivered systematically over time, but the treatment plan becomes outdated due to anatomical changes during the treatment period
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment plan is transformed from a static document into a dynamic, adaptable plan that automatically updates when anatomical changes are detected. The system continuously monitors patient anatomy through imaging and compares it against the original planning image, triggering treatment plan updates when changes exceed predefined thresholds, thus maintaining both systematic delivery and current accuracy throughout the treatment period
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where real-time or periodic imaging of the patient's anatomy is compared with the original planning image. This comparison provides feedback on anatomical changes, which then triggers automated or semi-automated treatment plan updates. The feedback mechanism ensures the treatment plan remains accurate despite anatomical variations during treatment
2Reliability
If the treatment plan is updated frequently to account for anatomical changes, then the treatment accuracy is maintained, but the complexity of the treatment delivery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining threshold criteria for anatomical changes and pre-establishing the workflow for treatment plan updates. Before actual changes occur, the system is configured with the rules and parameters needed for automatic detection and response, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated comparison of imaging data with the original planning image and automatic generation of updated treatment plans when thresholds are exceeded. This automation reduces the need for manual intervention and complex administrative processes, maintaining accuracy while minimizing operational complexity
3Measurement precision
If high dose level scans are performed frequently to monitor anatomical changes, then the treatment plan accuracy is maintained, but the radiation exposure to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the scanning parameters based on clinical need. Instead of performing high-dose scans routinely, the system uses lower-dose scans for routine monitoring and reserves high-dose scans for specific situations where anatomical changes are suspected or detected. This parameter adjustment maintains measurement precision when needed while minimizing overall radiation exposure
4Manufacturing precision
If the treatment plan is adapted based on real-time imaging, then the treatment delivery precision is improved, but the time required for treatment delivery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic imaging and comparison cycles rather than continuous monitoring. Imaging is performed at predetermined intervals or when specific clinical indicators are met, allowing the treatment plan to be updated periodically rather than continuously. This periodic approach maintains delivery precision while minimizing time consumption compared to real-time continuous adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for adapting treatment plan are provided. The method may include: obtaining a planning image of a region of interest relating to a first treatment fraction of a first treatment plan; obtaining a first image of the region of interest relating to a first scan of the region of interest with a first dose level; comparing the planning image with the first image to generate a first comparison result; determining whether the first comparison result satisfies a first replanning condition; causing, in response to a determination that the first comparison result satisfies the first replanning condition, one or more scanners to perform a second scan with a second dose level to provide a second image; and generating a second treatment plan according to the second image, wherein the second dose level is higher than the first dose level.