Fluorescence Distribution Imaging for Photoimmunotherapy Drug Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In photoimmunotherapy, it is challenging to confirm the distribution state of a drug binding to cancer cells before or after treatment, and to determine if additional treatment is needed based on the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent substance in the drug.
Innovation Solution
A treatment support apparatus and image generation method that include an excitation light source to irradiate a fluorescent substance with excitation light in a specific waveband, a fluorescence detector to detect emitted fluorescence, and an image generator to create a fluorescence distribution image, allowing for the visualization of the drug's distribution state before or after treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light in a specific waveband is continuously radiated to excite the fluorescent substance for confirming distribution state, then the distribution state can be visualized, but the cancer cells may be killed due to photochemical reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different light intensities for different purposes: a first light intensity for imaging/distribution confirmation and a second light intensity for treatment. The excitation light intensity is controlled to be in a range that excites fluorescence but does not cause significant photochemical reaction, allowing localized optimization for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts light intensity based on the operational mode. The light source can switch between a first light intensity during imaging modes (to visualize distribution) and a second light intensity during treatment modes. This dynamic control allows the same system to perform both functions without compromising either.
2Measurement precision
If light intensity is increased to improve fluorescence detection sensitivity, then the distribution state becomes more visible, but the photochemical reaction rate increases causing unwanted cancer cell death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light intensity to different levels for different functions. A first light intensity parameter is used for fluorescence imaging with sufficient sensitivity, and a second light intensity parameter is used for treatment. The first intensity is specifically controlled to be below the threshold that causes significant photochemical reaction while maintaining adequate fluorescence signal.
3Device complexity
If the same light source is used for both imaging and treatment, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision for separating imaging and treatment functions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control of light intensity to separate imaging and treatment functions. The light source can be switched between a first intensity level for imaging and a second intensity level for treatment, allowing functional separation through temporal and intensity-based control rather than physical separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the light source multi-functional by enabling it to perform both imaging and treatment functions. The same light source can operate in imaging mode with a first intensity and treatment mode with a second intensity, eliminating the need for separate light sources while maintaining functional distinction.
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
Enables the visual and easy confirmation of the drug's distribution state binding to cancer cells before or after treatment, facilitating the assessment of treatment efficacy and the need for additional treatment.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation light source configured to irradiate a fluorescent substance of a drug administered into a body of a subject with excitation light in a specific waveband having energy that excites the fluorescent substance
Implementation Method 2
a fluorescence detector configured to detect fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent substance of the drug due to excitation by the excitation light
Implementation Method 3
light in a specific waveband according to the fluorescent substance is radiated such that the fluorescent substance of the drug emits fluorescence and causes a photochemical reaction to change the chemical structure of the fluorescent substance
Data Source
AI summary
A treatment support apparatus (100) includes an excitation light source (21) configured to irradiate a fluorescent substance (301) of a drug (300) administered into a cancer patient's (200) body with excitation light in a specific waveband having energy that excites the fluorescent substance (301) but does not kill a cancer cell (301) before or after treatment to kill the cancer cell (201) based on irradiating the drug (300) containing the fluorescent substance (301) with light in a specific waveband, a fluorescence detector (26) configured to detect fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent substance (301) of the drug (300) due to excitation by the excitation light, and an image generator (16) configured to generate a fluorescence distribution image (41), which is an image showing a distribution state of the fluorescence emitted by the fluorescent substance (301), based on the fluorescence from the fluorescent substance (301) detected by the fluorescence detector (26).