Charged Particle Beam Scanning for Tumor Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 the isocenter point and the need for rapid and efficient beam delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize fiducial markers and detectors to dynamically determine the position of objects in a treatment room, allowing for precise tumor positioning and treatment without relying on an isocenter point, combined with a system that controls the intensity and energy of the charged particle beam for optimal tumor targeting and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an isocenter point is used for beam delivery, then the treatment system has a fixed reference point for beam positioning, but mechanical errors accumulate at the isocenter point reducing positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical isocenter-based positioning system with an optical/image-guided positioning system. Fiducial markers are imaged to dynamically determine beam position and orientation, eliminating mechanical errors associated with the isocenter point. The system uses imaging detectors and computational algorithms to calculate beam vectors without relying on mechanical rotation around a fixed isocenter point.
2Reliability
If the beam scanning system follows a strict sequential pattern, then the beam delivery is systematic and controllable, but the treatment time is extended and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam scanning patterns that adapt during treatment. The system can switch between sequential scanning and more efficient patterns such as random or prioritized voxel scanning. The beam delivery is controlled by dynamic prioritization algorithms that adjust scanning sequences based on treatment requirements, allowing faster delivery while maintaining dosimetric accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes scanning parameters dynamically during treatment. Beam energy, intensity, and scanning speed are adjusted in real-time based on the treatment plan and patient anatomy. The prioritization parameters for voxel scanning are modified during treatment to optimize both speed and accuracy, allowing the system to meet productivity goals without sacrificing reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the beam energy is reduced to treat shallower tumors, then the treatment becomes more selective for superficial lesions, but the beam must traverse through overlying healthy tissue causing unnecessary exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering different beam energies to different regions of the patient's body. The system identifies the depth and location of the tumor and adjusts the beam energy specifically for that region. Overlying healthy tissue is spared by using lower energies only where needed and directing beams from angles that minimize healthy tissue traversal. The treatment plan is customized for each local anatomical region.
4Manufacturing precision
If the beam scanning covers the entire treatment area systematically, then complete tumor coverage is achieved, but the treatment time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses partial action by prioritizing the scanning of critical tumor regions first. The system identifies high-priority voxels that require immediate treatment and scans those before lower-priority areas. This allows the beam to cover the essential treatment targets quickly while still providing complete coverage if time permits, optimizing the balance between accuracy and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor with positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) transporting the positively charged particles sequentially from an accelerator, along a beam transport path, through a nozzle system, and along a treatment beam path and (2) while scanning the treatment beam path along each of a set of vectors for treating the tumor, on average for the set of vectors, intentionally deviating the treatment beam path from a current vector of the set of vectors off of the current vector by at least one-eighth of a treatment beam diameter at least once for every twenty movements of the treatment beam.