Adaptive Radiation Therapy Imaging System with Dynamic Dose Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation therapy treatment plans often need to be updated during the treatment period due to changes in tumor anatomy or surrounding tissues, but existing methods lack the ability to accurately and timely adapt these plans, potentially leading to unnecessary radiation exposure or deviations in treatment delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize scanners and processors to compare planning images with real-time images, determining if anatomical changes exceed thresholds, and adjusting the treatment plan by performing higher-dose scans and generating new treatment plans as needed, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scans to ensure precise adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If treatment plans are updated frequently during treatment period, then treatment accuracy is improved, but patient radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the dose level parameter of scanning based on anatomical stability. When anatomical features are stable, low-dose scanning is used. When changes exceed thresholds, the system transitions to high-dose scanning only when necessary, optimizing the balance between treatment accuracy and radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full high-dose scans frequently, the system performs partial scans at low dose levels continuously, and only performs excessive high-dose scanning when anatomical changes threshold are exceeded, thereby reducing overall radiation exposure while maintaining treatment accuracy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If treatment plans are updated infrequently, then radiation exposure is reduced, but treatment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback through low-dose scanning to monitor anatomical changes. When changes exceed predetermined thresholds, the system triggers high-dose scanning and treatment plan updates, ensuring treatment accuracy is maintained only when necessary while minimizing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning dose level is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the dose level based on real-time anatomical monitoring, transitioning from low-dose to high-dose scanning only when anatomical changes warrant it, thereby optimizing both radiation exposure and treatment accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If high-dose scans are performed frequently, then anatomical change detection accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the dose level parameter dynamically based on anatomical stability assessment. Low-dose scanning is used for routine monitoring, and high-dose scanning is activated only when anatomical changes exceed thresholds, optimizing detection accuracy while minimizing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing excessive high-dose scans continuously, the system performs partial low-dose scans routinely and reserves high-dose scanning for cases where anatomical changes warrant it, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while reducing overall radiation exposure.
4Measurement precision
If multiple scanning types are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple scanning types (CBCT and MSCT) into a single unified platform that can perform both low-dose and high-dose scanning. This multi-functional approach allows the system to switch between scanning modes based on clinical needs without requiring separate devices, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
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 timely and accurate adaptation of radiation therapy treatment plans, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure and ensuring precise delivery by generating new plans based on real-time anatomical changes, thereby improving treatment efficacy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
A first image of the region of interest relating to a first scan of the region of interest with a first dose level may be obtained
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.