Adaptive Radiotherapy Beam Shaping via Real-Time Target Shift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiotherapy treatment is hindered by target region movement during treatment, requiring time-consuming and resource-intensive repositioning of patients to ensure accurate radiation delivery, which prolongs and increases the cost of treatment sessions.
Innovation Solution
A method for adaptively controlling radiotherapy apparatuses by generating a revised treatment plan based on real-time positional shifts of the target region, utilizing a computer-implemented system that updates the configuration of the beam shaping apparatus, such as a multi-leaf collimator, to maintain accurate radiation delivery without pausing the treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring and adaptive repositioning is implemented to maintain accurate radiation delivery, then treatment accuracy is improved, but treatment time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores multiple possible treatment plans with different beam configurations before treatment begins. When target movement is detected, the system can immediately switch to a pre-computed alternative plan without time-consuming recalculation, thus maintaining accuracy while avoiding delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical repositioning of the patient couch with computational methods. Instead of physically moving the patient to compensate for target displacement, the system uses real-time image guidance and software-based treatment plan adaptation to maintain accurate radiation delivery to the moving target.
2Measurement precision
If 3D imaging is performed frequently to detect target position changes, then measurement accuracy is improved, but treatment efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous or near-continuous 2D image acquisition during beam delivery rather than intermittent 3D imaging. This continuous monitoring provides real-time target position feedback without the time loss associated with repeated 3D scans, maintaining measurement capability while preserving treatment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses 2D projection images as simplified copies or representations of the 3D target geometry. By analyzing sequences of 2D images rather than performing repeated full 3D scans, the system achieves adequate target position monitoring with significantly reduced imaging time and computational burden.
3Device complexity
If the treatment plan is rigidly followed without adaptation, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to patient movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, pre-planned beam configurations to dynamic, real-time adaptive control. Treatment parameters such as beam intensity, shape, and positioning are continuously adjusted during delivery based on monitored target position, enabling the system to adapt to patient movement while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where target position is continuously monitored via imaging, and this information feeds back to the control system which automatically adjusts beam parameters. This feedback mechanism provides adaptability to motion without requiring complex manual intervention or re-planning during treatment.
Data Source
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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.