Hybrid Bragg-Flash Proton Therapy for Isocenter-Free Tumor Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charged particle cancer therapy systems face challenges in achieving safe, accurate, and precise imaging and treatment of tumors using charged particles, particularly in terms of mechanical errors associated with isocenter points and the need for rapid and effective imaging and treatment methods.
Innovation Solution
A charged particle beam therapy system that uses a method and apparatus for treating tumors with positively charged particles, involving the transportation of particles through a beam transport path, termination of Bragg peaks, and the use of fiducial markers for precise positioning and calibration, allowing for iterative imaging and treatment without relying on an isocenter point, and employing a tomography system for sectioning through the patient to create detailed images and deliver targeted radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional isocenter-based proton therapy system is used, then the treatment delivery is straightforward, but mechanical errors accumulate at the isocenter point reducing positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the isocenter point from the treatment system entirely. Instead of converging multiple beam paths at a common isocenter point, the system uses individualized beam paths with separate stopping points for each angle, eliminating the mechanical errors that accumulate at the isocenter
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment is divided into multiple discrete beam paths, each with its own unique stopping point and calibration. Rather than a single unified isocenter, each beam angle is independently calibrated to its own target point, segmenting the error sources and preventing their accumulation
2Productivity
If rapid imaging and treatment are implemented, then treatment efficiency improves, but accuracy and precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration using fiducial markers before treatment begins. The stopping points for each beam path are pre-determined and calibrated based on detected fiducial marker positions, ensuring accuracy is established before rapid treatment delivery commences
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors beam stopping positions using detectors that track the depth and location of energy deposition. This feedback allows real-time verification and adjustment of beam placement, maintaining precision during rapid treatment delivery
3Manufacturing precision
If fiducial markers are used for positioning, then targeting precision improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiducial markers serve multiple functions: they are used for initial positioning calibration, for verifying beam stopping points, and for tracking tumor movement throughout treatment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate calibration systems, offsetting the added complexity with operational efficiency
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 approach enables precise and accurate targeting of tumors, reduces mechanical errors, and allows for simultaneous imaging and treatment, improving the safety and effectiveness of charged particle cancer therapy by using fiducial markers for precise positioning and a tomography system for detailed imaging and radiation delivery.
Implementation Method 1
terminating a first Bragg peak, of a first set of the positively charged particles, in a position of the tumor and flash treating the tumor with a second Bragg peak
Implementation Method 2
employing a tomography system for sectioning through the patient to create detailed images
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles, comprising the steps of transporting the positively charged particles along a beam transport path passing sequentially from an accelerator, through a beam transport line, through a nozzle, and toward a position of the patient, the step of transporting further comprising the steps of: (1) terminating a first Bragg peak, of a first set of the positively charged particles, in a position of the tumor and (2) flash treating the tumor with a second Bragg peak, of a second set of the positively charged particles, the second Bragg peak terminating post-patient relative to the nozzle. Optionally the second set of particles are delivered at a rate exceeding one MHz. Optionally, particles in common are used to both treat the tumor and image the tumor.