Adaptive Radiation Therapy Planning via Parallel Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation therapy plans fail to adapt to anatomical changes in tumors during treatment, risking healthy tissues due to inaccurate dose delivery, and require rapid re-planning to maintain therapy efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating adaptive radiation therapy plans by parallel processing of image registration, ROI determination, and dose distribution analysis using processors to rapidly update treatment plans based on sequential scans, allowing for real-time adjustments to anatomical changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional radiation therapy plan is used without adaptation, then the treatment plan can be generated quickly, but the accuracy of dose delivery deteriorates due to anatomical changes in the tumor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically updates the radiation therapy plan by comparing sequential images to detect anatomical changes in the tumor. When changes are detected, the treatment plan is automatically adjusted to maintain dose delivery accuracy, transforming the static conventional approach into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to real-time anatomical variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where sequential images are acquired during treatment, compared to detect anatomical changes, and used to trigger plan adaptation when necessary. This closed-loop feedback ensures dose delivery accuracy is maintained by continuously monitoring and adjusting the treatment plan based on actual tumor anatomy
2Manufacturing precision
If a re-planning procedure is performed to adapt to anatomical changes, then the dose delivery accuracy is improved, but the treatment time increases causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial re-planning by only updating portions of the treatment plan that are affected by detected anatomical changes, rather than completely re-planning the entire treatment. This selective approach maintains dose delivery accuracy for affected regions while minimizing overall treatment time and preserving productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent imaging scans are performed to monitor anatomical changes, then the adaptability of the treatment plan is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the treatment monitoring process into discrete steps: acquiring sequential images at predetermined intervals, comparing images to detect changes, and triggering plan adaptation only when changes are detected. This segmentation allows frequent monitoring without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the adaptive response is activated only when necessary
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining a first image related to one or more target objects generated by a first scan. The method may also include obtaining a first radiation therapy plan for treating the one or more target objects. The method may also include obtaining a second image related to the one or more target objects generated by a second scan. The second scan may be performed later than the first scan. The method may also include determining, based on the first radiation therapy plan, the first image, and the second image, a target radiation therapy plan to treat the one or more target objects. The target radiation therapy plan may be the first radiation therapy plan or a second radiation therapy plan associated with the second image, wherein at least a portion of the determining the target radiation therapy plan may be performed in parallel.