Adaptive Radiotherapy Dose Tracking via Volumetric Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiotherapy methods lack real-time patient anatomic information during treatment, leading to uncertainties due to organ movement, shrinkage, and deformation, which affects dose accuracy and normal tissue exposure.

Innovation Solution

A volumetric image-guided adaptive radiotherapy system that uses cone-beam computerized tomography and megavoltage imaging to generate real-time three-dimensional images of the patient, allowing for online and offline evaluation and modification of the radiation therapy plan to ensure precise dose delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single pre-treatment CT scan is used to design the treatment plan, then the planning process is simple and quick, but the dose accuracy deteriorates due to patient variations such as organ movement, shrinkage and deformation during treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplanning speedVSAvoiddose accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring multiple CT scans at different time points (pre-treatment, during-treatment, post-treatment) and pre-processing them to create a comprehensive anatomical database. This allows the treatment plan to be designed with anticipation of patient variations, enabling adaptive adjustments throughout the treatment course to maintain dose accuracy while preserving planning efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment planning system transitions from a static single-scan approach to a dynamic multi-scan approach that continuously updates patient anatomy models during treatment. The system dynamically adjusts the treatment plan based on real-time anatomical changes, organ movement, and deformation, thereby maintaining dose accuracy without sacrificing planning productivity through automated adaptive algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If real-time volumetric imaging is implemented, then dose accuracy and treatment adaptability are improved, but device complexity and treatment time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose accuracyVSAvoidimaging system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is segmented into multiple functional components: pre-treatment planning CT scanner, during-treatment volumetric CT scanner, image processing unit, treatment planning system, and dose calculation module. Each component performs a specific function and can operate independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling real-time adaptive treatment through coordinated operation of these modular segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where real-time volumetric images are processed to generate anatomical variations, which then feed back into the treatment planning system to automatically adjust treatment parameters. This closed-loop feedback system maintains dose accuracy by continuously adapting to patient anatomy changes without requiring complex manual intervention, thereby managing device complexity through automated intelligent control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple CT scans are performed during treatment, then patient anatomical variations are captured accurately, but treatment time and loss of time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical variation measurementVSAvoidtreatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs CT scans at periodic intervals (pre-treatment baseline, during-treatment at key stages, post-treatment) rather than continuously, capturing anatomical variations at critical time points. This periodic imaging approach provides sufficient measurement precision to detect and account for patient anatomical changes while minimizing total scan time and treatment interruptions, balancing accuracy with time efficiency through strategically timed imaging sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This system enables real-time adjustment of radiation therapy plans based on current patient anatomy, reducing uncertainties and improving dose accuracy, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

Implementation Method 1

cone-beam computerized tomography and megavoltage imaging to generate real-time three-dimensional images of the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

emitting a therapeutic radiation beam towards the area of interest of the object in accordance with a reference plan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS9192786B2Real-time, on-line and offline treatment dose tracking and feedback process for volumetric image guided adaptive radiotherapy

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 WILLIAM BEAUMONT HOSPITAL

AI summary

A method of treating an object with radiation that includes generating volumetric image data of an area of interest of an object and emitting a therapeutic radiation beam towards the area of interest of the object in accordance with a reference plan. The method further includes evaluating the volumetric image data and at least one parameter of the therapeutic radiation beam to provide a real-time, on-line or off-line evaluation and on-line or off-line modification of the reference plan.