Dual Algorithm Radiotherapy Planning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy treatment planning algorithms require substantial computational time to optimize plans, especially when dealing with complex techniques like IMRT and arc therapy, due to the large number of variables and complex matrix manipulations involved, often limiting the ability to achieve a fully optimized plan within practical time constraints.
Innovation Solution
The method employs at least two different dose calculation algorithms: a first for substantially complete calculations and a second for incremental calculations, with different precision and accuracy levels, allowing for faster convergence on an optimized plan by applying distinct cutoff criteria and alternating between them iteratively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single high-precision dose calculation algorithm is used for complete calculations, then calculation accuracy is improved, but computational time increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dose calculation process into two distinct parts: complete dose calculations using a first algorithm and incremental dose calculations using a second algorithm. This segmentation allows the system to use high-precision algorithms only when necessary (complete calculations) and faster algorithms for routine updates (incremental calculations), thereby reducing overall computational time while maintaining accuracy where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using incremental dose calculations that compute only the changes or differences rather than performing complete recalculations. This partial computation approach significantly reduces computational effort for routine optimization iterations while maintaining sufficient accuracy for treatment plan optimization.
2Productivity
If multiple different dose calculation algorithms are used alternately, then computational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic algorithm selection mechanism that automatically switches between the first and second dose calculation algorithms based on the optimization stage and requirements. The system dynamically determines when to perform complete calculations versus incremental calculations, managing the complexity through adaptive control rather than static configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the optimization process to determine which algorithm to apply next. By monitoring convergence criteria and optimization progress, the system provides feedback that triggers appropriate algorithm selection, managing complexity through automated decision-making rather than manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment planning method and system for optimizing a treatment plan used to irradiate a treatment volume including a target volume, such as a tumor, is disclosed. According to the method, two dose calculation algorithms are used to develop the optimized treatment plan. A first dose calculation algorithm is used to obtain substantially complete dose calculations and a second, incremental, dose calculation algorithm is used to make more limited calculations. The incremental calculations may be performed, for example, with less precision, less accuracy or less scope (e.g., focused on a specific subvolume within the treatment volume) in order to reduce the time required to achieve an optimized plan. Each of the dose calculation algorithms may be iterated a plurality of times, and different cutoff criteria can be used to limit the number of iterations in a given pass. A treatment planning system of the invention uses software for implementing the complete and incremental dose calculation algorithms. The method and system are especially useful for IMRT and arc therapy where treatment plan optimization is particularly challenging.