Cervical Cancer Irradiation Device with Directional Near-Infrared Light Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for cervical cancer, especially in advanced stages, face challenges in effectively irradiating tumors with near-infrared light due to limited penetration depth and invasive methods, which can result in low five-year survival rates.
Innovation Solution
The development of an irradiation device and treatment method that involves intravenous administration of an antibody-light-absorbing substance, followed by the insertion of optical fibers into the uterine artery and cervix to emit near-infrared light in specific directions, allowing for effective irradiation of cervical cancer cells while minimizing invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If near-infrared light is used to irradiate cervical cancer cells, then the antibody-photosensitive substance can specifically kill target cells without killing non-target cells, but the light has small penetration depth and cannot reach solid cancer in a noninvasive manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the uterine artery as an intermediary pathway to deliver optical fibers close to the cervical tumor. By inserting the irradiation device through the uterine artery rather than directly through the cervix or vagina, the system achieves minimally invasive access to the target site while maintaining the ability to deliver near-infrared light effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fluid dynamics by injecting contrast medium through the uterine artery to enhance X-ray imaging visibility. This hydraulic approach allows for precise positioning of the optical fiber within the uterine artery lumen, enabling effective light delivery to the cervical tumor while minimizing invasiveness
2Reliability
If conventional surgery is performed to remove the entire uterus, then cancer can be removed completely, but fertility is lost and local treatment is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local treatment by delivering near-infrared light directly to the cervical tumor through optical fibers positioned in the uterine artery. This localized irradiation activates the antibody-photosensitive substance only at the tumor site, preserving the uterus and fertility while effectively treating the cancer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the treatment parameter from surgical removal to photodynamic therapy using near-infrared light. By altering the treatment modality from mechanical removal to optical activation of photosensitive substances, the system achieves cancer treatment while preserving uterine function and fertility
3Area of stationary object
If radiation therapy and chemotherapy are combined for advanced stage cancer, then treatment coverage is improved, but the five-year survival rate remains as low as 50% in stage III and 20% in stage IV
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the patient's own immune system and vascular system to deliver the treatment. The antibody-photosensitive substance is administered intravenously and naturally accumulates at the tumor site through the bloodstream, and the uterine artery serves as the natural pathway for delivering the irradiation device, achieving effective treatment with minimal invasiveness
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 method enables reliable and effective irradiation of cervical cancer cells with near-infrared light, improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects, particularly in advanced stages where cancer has spread to surrounding tissues.
Implementation Method 1
emitting near-infrared light by using the first optical fiber in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the antibody-photosensitive substance accumulated in tumor with near-infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
An irradiation device and a treatment method capable of effectively irradiating an antibody-photosensitive substance bound to a cell membrane of cervical cancer with near-infrared light. The treatment method for cervical cancer includes: intravenously administering an antibody-light-absorbing substance; inserting a second irradiation device including a second optical fiber from a vagina into a cervix 12 hours to 36 hours after the intravenous administration; performing irradiation by using the second optical fiber included in the second irradiation device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second optical fiber; drawing at least a part of a deformation portion included in the second irradiation device to an external uterine ostium and inflating the deformation portion so as to follow a shape of an organ; emitting near-infrared light by using the second optical fiber in a substantially distal direction and/or the direction substantially perpendicular to the second optical fiber; and contracting the deformation portion.