Gamma Radiation Sensor for Tumor Response Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing tumor response to cancer therapy are costly, time-consuming, and lack timely, cost-effective ways to evaluate treatment effectiveness, primarily relying on size measurements and PET/CT scans that are not widely accessible.
Innovation Solution
A system using localized radio-labeled tracer uptake measurement with sensors placed on the body to gather real-time data, reducing the need for extensive PET scanners and minimizing radioactive tracer usage, while employing predictive algorithms to assess treatment effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PET/CT scans are used to measure tumor response, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex PET/CT scanning system into simpler components by using separate, smaller radiation detectors that can be placed independently on the patient's body surface. Instead of requiring a full PET/CT scanner, the system uses multiple simple detectors positioned at specific locations to measure tracer uptake, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified measurement system that copies the essential function of PET/CT scanning without replicating its full complexity. By using surface detectors to measure gamma radiation from injected tracers, the system reproduces the key measurement capability (tracer uptake quantification) using much simpler, more accessible equipment
2Measurement precision
If PET/CT scans are used for follow-up assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a streamlined periodic measurement approach where simplified detectors are used to conduct rapid follow-up assessments at scheduled intervals. The reduced complexity of the measurement system allows for quicker data collection and analysis, enabling more frequent monitoring of therapy response without the time burden of full PET/CT scans
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the essential measurement function (gamma radiation detection from tracers) without the full imaging capability of PET/CT. This selective approach captures the critical information needed for therapy assessment while eliminating unnecessary time-consuming imaging procedures
3Measurement precision
If Dynamic PET is used to image radio-labeled tracer uptake, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into targeted, localized detection at specific body sites rather than comprehensive dynamic imaging. By placing detectors only where needed to measure tracer uptake in specific organs or tumors, the system achieves precise measurement without the time-consuming nature of full Dynamic PET scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex Dynamic PET process. It isolates and implements only the critical element (gamma radiation detection for quantifying tracer uptake) while removing the time-intensive dynamic imaging components, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving productivity
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 quick, cost-effective, and efficient assessment of tumor response with reduced radioactive tracer consumption, providing timely insights into treatment effectiveness and potential future changes in biological parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillation material adapted to receive a level of gamma radiation from the in vivo radioactive analyte and to emit photons representative of or corresponding to the gamma radiation level
Implementation Method 2
a light detector disposed with respect to the scintillation material so as to be adapted to receive and convert the photons into signal data representative of the level of gamma radiation received
Implementation Method 3
systemic administration of a radioactive analyte that decays in vivo by positron emission
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for the measurement of radiation emitted from an in-vivo administered radioactive analyte. The system employs a sensor having a scintillation material to convert gamma radiation to visible light, which enables embodiments of the sensor to be ex vivo. A light detector converts the visible light to an electrical signal. This signal is amplified and is processed to measure the captured radiation. Temperature of the sensor may be recorded along with this radiation measurement for temperature compensation of ex vivo embodiments. The sensor enables collection of sufficient data to support separate application to predictive models, background comparisons, or change analysis.