BNCT Therapy Planning with 3D Tissue Models and Monte Carlo Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional radiotherapy methods, such as photon or electron therapy, cause significant harm to normal tissues due to the physical limitations of radioactive rays and have poor efficacy against radio-resistant tumors like glioblastoma multiforme and melanoma, while neutron capture therapy requires accurate lattice models that are time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to operator variation.
Innovation Solution
A radiotherapy system with a tissue model template library and Monte Carlo simulation to establish a 3D voxel prosthesis tissue model, simulating dose distributions and calculating equivalent doses accurately, reducing reliance on operator experience and time-consuming manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional radiotherapy methods (photon or electron therapy) are used, then treatment can be delivered, but normal tissues on the beam path are harmed significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces boron-containing drugs as an intermediary substance that accumulates specifically in tumor cells. When neutron beams are applied, the boron atoms undergo nuclear reactions that release high-energy particles localized within the tumor cells, thereby protecting normal tissues from radiation damage while effectively treating the tumor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves localized treatment by having boron-containing drugs selectively accumulate in tumor cells through their biological properties. The subsequent neutron irradiation produces highly localized energy deposition within the tumor region, creating different treatment effects in different spatial locations - high efficacy in tumor areas and minimal damage in normal tissues.
2Measurement precision
If manual model establishment is performed by operators, then treatment planning can be completed, but model accuracy varies due to different personal experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically establish the three-dimensional lattice model by itself, retrieving necessary data directly from medical imaging equipment without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically performs dose distribution calculations and generates treatment plans, eliminating operator dependency and ensuring consistent model accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of model establishment with an automated computational system. The treatment planning system automatically processes medical imaging data, establishes the three-dimensional lattice model, and calculates dose distributions using computer algorithms, substituting human operators with an automated information processing system.
3Measurement precision
If detailed lattice models are established manually, then dose calculation accuracy can be improved, but a large amount of time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving and processing all necessary data from medical imaging equipment before dose calculation. The three-dimensional lattice model is pre-established with accurate anatomical structures, and the system pre-calculates dose distributions, thereby reducing the time required for treatment planning while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual model establishment and dose calculation processes with automated computational methods. The system rapidly processes medical imaging data to create accurate three-dimensional lattice models and performs dose distribution calculations using computer algorithms, significantly reducing treatment planning time while maintaining or improving accuracy.
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
Improves model accuracy and dose calculation precision, facilitating rapid and effective treatment planning for neutron capture therapy, particularly BNCT, by standardizing tissue and boron concentration data, thus minimizing normal tissue injury and optimizing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A beam irradiation device is provided, and a treatment plan module... performs dose simulation and calculation according to the tissue model template library, medical imaging data of an irradiated site and parameters of a treatment beam generated by the beam irradiation device
Implementation Method 2
performs dose simulation and calculation according to the tissue model template library, medical imaging data of an irradiated site and parameters of a treatment beam generated by the beam irradiation device
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiotherapy system and a therapy plan generation method therefor. The radiotherapy system comprises a beam irradiation apparatus, a therapy plan module, and a control module. The beam irradiation apparatus generates a beam for therapy and irradiates an irradiated body to form an irradiated part. A tissue model template library of the irradiated body is stored in the therapy plan module; the therapy plan module performs dosage simulation calculation according to the tissue model template library, medical imaging data of the irradiated part, and a parameter of the beam for therapy generated by the beam irradiation apparatus, and generates a therapy plan. The control module retrieves, from the therapy plan module, the therapy plan corresponding to the irradiated body, and controls the beam irradiation apparatus to irradiate the irradiated body according to the therapy plan determined by the therapy plan generation method. The radiotherapy system and the therapy plan generation method therefor of the invention can improve the accuracy of model establishment and dosage calculation, and facilitate rapid formulation of the therapy plan.