Gamma Radiation Sensing for Real-Time Tracer Infiltration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing cancer treatment effectiveness, such as PET/CT scans, are costly, prone to inaccuracies due to tracer infiltration, and lack a timely, cost-effective way to evaluate treatment efficacy, especially with dynamic PET approaches being impractical for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A system using sensors to measure localized radio-labeled tracer uptake, providing real-time feedback and predictive algorithms to assess treatment effectiveness, reducing the need for expensive scanners and minimizing tracer use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PET/CT scans are used to assess tumor response, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the complex PET/CT scanning process into separate functional components: a simple gamma radiation detector for measurement and a separate computer system for data processing and predictive analysis. This segmentation allows the measurement function to be performed by a less complex device while maintaining accuracy through advanced computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a computer system with predictive algorithms as an intermediary between the simple gamma detector and the clinical decision-making process. This intermediary processes the raw measurement data and provides treatment effectiveness assessments, eliminating the need for complex integrated PET/CT hardware.
2Ease of operation
If traditional tumor size measurement methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual tumor palpation and visual assessment with automated gamma radiation detection and computer-based predictive analysis. The simple detector maintains ease of operation while the automated computational system provides precise treatment effectiveness measurements that cannot be achieved through manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system automatically performs data processing, predictive analysis, and treatment effectiveness assessment without requiring complex manual intervention. The system self-corrects for various factors and provides objective measurements, eliminating the subjectivity and imprecision of manual tumor assessment while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If repeated PET/CT scans are performed to assess treatment response, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and increased cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements real-time feedback through continuous gamma radiation monitoring and automated predictive analysis. The computer system processes measurements immediately and provides ongoing assessment of treatment effectiveness, eliminating the need for repeated delayed PET/CT scans and enabling timely clinical decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The predictive algorithms in the computer system perform preliminary analysis of treatment response trends from early measurements, allowing clinicians to assess treatment effectiveness before completing the full treatment course. This preliminary action reduces the need for multiple confirmatory scans and accelerates decision-making.
4Measurement precision
If large amounts of radioactive tracer are administered, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from requiring high tracer concentrations (as in traditional PET/CT) to detecting gamma radiation at lower concentrations. The simple gamma detector combined with sensitive computational analysis maintains measurement precision while allowing use of smaller, safer radioactive tracer doses.
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 accurate, cost-effective, and timely assessment of treatment efficacy by detecting tracer uptake and predicting biological changes, reducing tracer waste and scanner reliance.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for the detection of gamma radiation emitted by a subject from systemic or local administration of a radioactive analyte that decays in vivo by positron emission
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may include a scintillation material that converts gamma radiation to photons
Implementation Method 3
A light detector may be disposed with respect to the scintillation material so as to be adapted to receive and convert the photons into signal data
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for the measurement of radiation emitted from an in-vivo administered radioactive analyte. Gamma radiation sensors may be used to determine the proper or improper administration of a radioactive analyte, and provide real time feedback to an autoinjector or other administration device or person. The feedback may include identification of an infiltration event and/or a likelihood that an infiltration event resulted in a radiation dose to a patient above a certain value, among other things.