Interactive Radiation Therapy Planning Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy treatment planning, especially for arc therapy, is inefficient due to complex optimization algorithms that require substantial computational time and lack user control, making it difficult to achieve optimal plans within practical time constraints and adapt to changes in the treatment volume during fractionated dosing.
Innovation Solution
The development of interactive treatment planning software that allows users to pause and adjust the optimization process at user-selected stages, modify the objective function, and restart or revert to earlier stages, enabling real-time user intervention and control over the planning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex optimization algorithms are used for treatment planning, then manufacturing precision of radiation dose distribution is improved, but productivity is worsened due to substantial computational time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment planning process into multiple stages, where each stage optimizes specific parameters independently. This segmentation allows the complex optimization problem to be broken down into smaller, computationally manageable sub-problems that can be solved more quickly while still achieving accurate dose distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations and pre-processing of treatment parameters before the main optimization phase. By preparing data structures, pre-calculating dose distributions for various beam configurations, and establishing initial parameter ranges in advance, the system reduces the computational burden during the actual optimization process, thereby improving planning speed without sacrificing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex optimization algorithms are used for treatment planning, then manufacturing precision of radiation dose distribution is improved, but loss of time is worsened due to substantial computational time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optimization process is divided into discrete stages, each handling specific aspects of dose optimization. This allows the system to progress through computations in manageable increments rather than requiring extensive continuous computation, reducing overall time loss while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing preliminary data preparation, pre-calculating dose matrices, and establishing optimization parameters in advance, the system minimizes the computational time required during the actual treatment planning phase, thereby reducing time loss without compromising the precision of the final dose distribution.
3Extent of automation
If automated optimization is used, then ease of operation is worsened due to lack of user control, but extent of automation is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the automated optimization system continuously evaluates intermediate results and allows users to review and adjust parameters at various stages. This feedback loop enables users to maintain control over the automated process by making informed adjustments based on real-time optimization progress, thus improving ease of operation while preserving automation benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive method for radiation treatment planning is disclosed. The method applies to staged treatment planning algorithms, as used, for example, with arc therapy. It allows the user to hold the optimization algorithm at a stage in order to make adjustments to the objective function before advancing to the next stage. If adjustments are made, the user can revert to an earlier stage and re-run the optimization process using the adjusted objective function. While a hold is imposed, the treatment planning software may continue optimization at the current stage.