FLASH Radiotherapy Beam Modulation for Deep Tumor Conformality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiotherapy technologies fail to achieve highly conformal dose distribution for deep-seated or large tumors in ultra-short time scales required for FLASH radiotherapy, as conventional methods like mechanical modulation with multi-leaf collimators are not feasible in the FLASH time frame, and using multiple beams compromises the biological sparing of normal tissues.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an electron source, linear accelerator, and beam delivery module with intensity modulation means that modulate the radiation dose distribution in a predetermined pattern, allowing independent control of dose and energy for each subsection of the target volume, delivering a dose of up to 20 Gy in less than 50 ms, and achieving high conformality for target volumes of at least 50 cm³ or deeper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical modulation with multi-leaf collimators is used for intensity modulation, then highly conformal dose distribution is achieved, but the treatment time becomes too long for FLASH radiotherapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical modulation systems (multi-leaf collimators) with magnetic field-based beam scanning and electronic intensity modulation. The beam delivery system uses magnetic fields to rapidly scan and modulate the electron beam intensity, achieving conformal dose distribution without mechanical moving parts, thereby enabling treatment times in the millisecond range required for FLASH radiotherapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam scanning with variable intensity modulation during the treatment process. The magnetic scanning system dynamically adjusts beam position and intensity in real-time, allowing the dose distribution to be continuously optimized throughout the ultra-short treatment duration, achieving both conformality and speed.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple converging beams are used for deep-seated tumors, then high conformality is achieved, but the biological FLASH sparing effect is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering highly localized, intense electron beams that deposit energy precisely within the target volume. The electron beam's inherent physical properties (rapid energy deposition at specific depths) create localized high-dose regions that conform to the tumor while sparing surrounding normal tissues, achieving both conformality and FLASH effect without requiring multiple beams.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ultra-high dose rate is applied for FLASH radiotherapy, then normal tissue sparing is achieved, but intensity modulation for conformal dose distribution becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field scanning and electronic control systems to achieve intensity modulation at ultra-high dose rates. By replacing mechanical modulation with magnetic and electronic systems, the patent can rapidly vary beam intensity and position during the millisecond-scale treatment, enabling conformal dose distribution while maintaining the FLASH effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic intensity modulation through magnetic scanning systems that can rapidly adjust beam parameters during treatment. This dynamic control allows the system to deliver conformal dose distributions even at ultra-high dose rates where traditional mechanical systems would be too slow to respond.
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
The device enables highly conformal dose distribution in FLASH radiotherapy, sparing normal tissues while effectively treating deep-seated tumors with high curative doses, expanding the applicability of radiotherapy for cancer treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a linear accelerator for accelerating said beam until a predetermined energy
Implementation Method 2
an electron source for providing a beam of electrons
Data Source
AI summary
The present relates to a device for providing a radiation treatment to a patient comprising: —an electron source for providing a beam of electrons, and —a linear accelerator for accelerating said beam until a predetermined energy, and —a beam delivery module for delivering the accelerated beam from said linear accelerator toward the patient to treat a target volume with a radiation dose, The device further comprises intensity modulation means configured to modulate the distribution of the radiation dose in the target volume according to a predetermined pattern. The pattern is determined to match the dimensions of a target volume of at least about 50 cm3, and/or a target volume located at least about 5 cm deep in the tissue of the patient with said radiation dose, The radiation dose distributed is up to about 20 Gy delivered during an overall treatment time less than about 50 ms.