Dynamic Aperture and Range Modulation for Conformal Ion Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive ion radiotherapy planning methods are limited in achieving precise and conformal dose distribution, as they rely on fixed settings for range and aperture devices, which are not easily adaptable during treatment, leading to suboptimal ion beam delivery.
Innovation Solution
The method optimizes passive ion therapy plans by allowing variation in settings of range modulating devices and aperture elements during beam delivery, enabling modulation of beam fluence, lateral shape, and depth profile through dynamic control of MLCs and range modulators, allowing for real-time adjustments to achieve a more conformal dose distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed settings for range and aperture devices are used in passive ion radiotherapy, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and treatment effectiveness deteriorate due to inability to achieve precise conformal dose distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the range modulating device and aperture element to vary their settings dynamically during beam delivery. The optimization problem allows settings to change over time, transforming static passive devices into dynamically adjustable systems that can adapt beam parameters in real-time to achieve precise conformal dose distribution while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
2Manufacturing precision
If dynamic modulation of beam parameters is implemented during treatment, then precision and conformity of ion beam delivery is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for real-time control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the settings of the range modulating device and aperture element to vary during beam delivery. The optimization problem is formulated to accommodate time-varying parameters, enabling dynamic adjustment of beam energy, range, and lateral shape to achieve precise conformal dose distribution without requiring complex additional hardware beyond standard passive ion therapy components.
3Manufacturing precision
If patient-specific hardware such as compensators and block apertures are used, then conformal dose distribution is achieved, but device complexity and treatment preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static patient-specific hardware with dynamic control of standard passive ion therapy devices. By allowing the range modulating device and aperture element to vary their settings during beam delivery according to an optimized treatment plan, the system achieves conformal dose distribution without requiring custom-made compensators or block apertures for each patient, thereby reducing hardware complexity and preparation time.
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 enhances the precision and conformity of ion beam delivery by allowing for dynamic modulation of beam parameters during treatment, improving the treatment plan's effectiveness and reducing the need for patient-specific hardware.
Implementation Method 1
an ion will emit most of its energy close to the depth where it stops, in the area known as the Bragg peak
Implementation Method 2
a range modulating device for creating a spread out Bragg peak, SOBP
Implementation Method 3
The lateral shape of the beam is controlled by an element defining an aperture in the beam line, such as a block or a collimator of a non-permeable material
Implementation Method 4
a range compensator is also used, which is placed in the beam trajectory to affect the maximum depth of the beam differently in different lateral positions in the patient's anatomy
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
An ion-based radiotherapy plan for passive delivery of one or more beams (7) uses an optimization problem set up to allow variation in settings of the range modulating device, and/or settings of the aperture element during the delivery of the first beam, so that said plan will include modulation of the fluence of the beam during the delivery of the beam. The optimization problem is set up to allow variation of the settings of an aperture element (11), a range modulating device (9) during delivery of each beam, so that said plan will include modulation in depth of the beam during the delivery of the beam.