Electromagnetic Illumination for Deep Tumor Cell Death

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating deeper lying tumors are limited by the shallow penetration depth of short-wavelength radiation, making it ineffective for treating tissues beyond the skin, while interstitial techniques require invasive probes.

Innovation Solution

The use of ultra-wideband radiation, specifically ultra-short electrical pulses, combined with narrowband radiation, to induce local cell death by focusing energy with high-power focusing emitters such as prolate spheroidal reflectors or lenses, allowing for deeper tissue penetration and precise targeting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If short-wavelength radiation is used for local heating of tumors, then cell death can be induced in the target tissue, but the tissue penetration depth is limited and deeper lying tumors cannot be effectively treated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue temperature for cell deathVSAvoidradiation penetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the radiation spectrum into multiple wavelength components, using a combination of short-wavelength radiation (for localized heating and cell death) and long-wavelength radiation (for deep tissue penetration). This segmentation of the electromagnetic spectrum allows simultaneous achievement of both shallow localized heating and deep penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple radiation sources with different wavelength characteristics into a single treatment system. By combining short-wavelength radiation (microwaves, radio waves) with long-wavelength radiation, the system achieves both deep penetration and effective localized heating for cell death.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Length of stationary object

If interstitial techniques with probes are used to treat deeper lying tumors, then deeper tissue penetration is achieved, but the procedure becomes invasive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation penetration depthVSAvoidinvasiveness of treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interstitial probe system with an external electromagnetic radiation system. Instead of physically inserting probes into the tumor, the invention uses externally applied electromagnetic fields that can penetrate deep into tissues non-invasively, eliminating the need for surgical insertion while maintaining deep tissue treatment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Length of stationary object

If large volumes of tissue are heated by external applications for regional hyperthermia, then deeper lying tumors can be treated, but healthy surrounding tissue is also affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation penetration depthVSAvoiddamage to healthy tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using short-wavelength radiation components that are absorbed preferentially in the tumor tissue, creating localized heating zones. The combination of wavelengths allows the radiation to penetrate deeply while the short-wavelength component ensures that heating is concentrated in the target tumor region rather than uniformly distributed, thereby sparing healthy surrounding tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic pulsed radiation delivery, alternating between different wavelength components. This periodic action allows controlled heating cycles that can be optimized to heat tumor tissue while allowing healthy tissue to cool between pulses, reducing cumulative thermal damage to surrounding healthy structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 enables effective heating of deeper tissues with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue, achieving cell death through thermal and electrical effects, enhancing the probability of tumor reduction with improved spatial resolution and reduced side effects.

Implementation Method 1

The system includes a power source for generating first and second radiation and a focusing element for focusing the first and second radiation on a target in which the first radiation elevates the temperature of the target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10363093B2System and methods of treatment using electromagnetic illumination

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION

AI summary

A method of inducing local cell death in patient tissue is provided. The method includes generating first and second radiation, conveying the radiation to a focusing element, and focusing the radiation on a target with the focusing element. A system for inducing local cell death in patient tissue is also provided. The system includes a power source for generating narrowband and/or ultra-wideband radiation, and a focusing element for focusing the radiation on a target.