Radiation Dose Distribution Translation for Critical Structure Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for adjusting radiation dose distribution during external beam radiation therapy are time-consuming and expensive, as they require significant adjustments to account for morphological changes and movements of tumors relative to critical structures between the planning and treatment phases.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that predicts radiation exposure for critical structures during the treatment phase, allowing for minimal adjustments to the proposed dose distribution by translating it based on a relationship between the cumulative dose volume and dose distribution position, ensuring the exposure remains below an acceptable threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the proposed dose distribution is adjusted to account for morphological changes and movements between planning and treatment phases, then the radiation exposure to critical structures is reduced, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple proposed dose distributions in a register during the planning phase, each corresponding to different possible positions of the tumor and critical structures. During the treatment phase, the system simply retrieves the appropriate pre-calculated dose distribution based on the actual positions, avoiding the need for time-consuming adjustments. This resolves the contradiction by preparing solutions in advance, reducing both time and cost while maintaining protection of critical structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the proposed dose distribution is significantly adjusted during the treatment phase, then the radiation exposure to critical structures is better controlled, but the cost and computational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the complex computational work of calculating dose distributions in advance during the planning phase, storing multiple pre-computed solutions in a register. During treatment, the system only needs to retrieve and select the appropriate pre-calculated dose distribution based on measured positions, dramatically reducing computational effort and complexity while maintaining effective control of radiation exposure to critical structures.
3Loss of time
If minimal adjustments are made to the proposed dose distribution, then the cost and time are reduced, but the radiation exposure to critical structures may exceed acceptable thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by pre-calculating multiple dose distributions with different adjustment levels during the planning phase and storing them in a register. During treatment, the system selects the appropriate pre-computed dose distribution that both minimizes adjustment time and ensures radiation exposure to critical structures remains below acceptable thresholds, achieving both goals simultaneously through advance preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for protecting a critical structure during the administration of radiation treatment to a patient. A register receives proposed positions for one or more radiation beams with respect to a critical structure. A processor predicts a cumulative dose volume for the critical structure based on the dose distribution, and determines if the cumulative dose volume exceeds a tolerance value. If the cumulative dose volume exceeds the tolerance value, the dose distribution may be translated at least in part based on a relationship between the cumulative dose volume and the dose distribution position.