Ion Beam Energy Segmentation for Multi-Depth Cancer Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion beam therapy methods require separate irradiations for each organ affected by cancer, especially when cancer has metastasized to multiple organs or spans across important organs like the spinal cord, leading to longer treatment times due to varying radiation sensitivity and the need to avoid exposure of critical tissues.
Innovation Solution
A charged particle beam extraction system that adjusts the energy of the ion beam to form multiple spread-out Bragg peaks, allowing for simultaneous irradiation of multiple affected parts with varying doses, reducing exposure to unnecessary areas and shortening treatment time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate irradiations are performed for each organ affected by cancer, then the radiation sensitivity of each organ is properly considered, but the treatment time becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the irradiation process into multiple energy levels, where each energy level targets a specific depth range (SOBP) within the affected part. By segmenting the beam energy into discrete levels (e.g., 100 MeV, 110 MeV, 120 MeV), the system can selectively irradiate different depths of the affected part in a single session, effectively treating multiple organs or regions simultaneously while maintaining precise radiation dose control for each target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam energy parameter to achieve different penetration depths and dose distributions. By adjusting the ion beam energy levels and corresponding SOBP settings, the system can target multiple organs at different depths within a single irradiation session, eliminating the need for separate treatments while maintaining appropriate radiation sensitivity for each organ.
2Loss of time
If a single irradiation session is used for multiple affected parts, then the treatment time is shortened, but the radiation sensitivity of different organs cannot be properly considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the affected part into multiple depth regions, each corresponding to a specific beam energy level and SOBP setting. This segmentation allows the system to deliver different radiation doses to different depths (and thus different organs) within a single irradiation session, maintaining proper radiation sensitivity control while significantly reducing treatment time compared to separate irradiations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the energy dimension (beam energy levels) as an additional control parameter. By utilizing different energy levels to target different depths, the system can simultaneously address multiple organs or regions that would otherwise require separate treatments, achieving both time reduction and maintained radiation sensitivity control.
3Area of stationary object
If the ion beam energy is increased to reach deeper affected parts, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the exposure to critical organs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam energy into multiple discrete levels, where each level corresponds to a specific depth range (SOBP). This allows the system to target deeper affected parts using higher energy levels while limiting the radiation exposure to critical organs by precisely controlling which energy levels are activated. Critical organs can be protected by simply not using the energy levels that would expose them, while still achieving deep tissue coverage when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the local quality principle by assigning different radiation doses (through selective activation of energy levels) to different spatial regions. High-energy beams targeting deep affected parts can be selectively applied only where needed, while critical organs at intermediate depths receive reduced or zero exposure by excluding their corresponding energy levels from the treatment plan.
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 effective irradiation of multiple affected parts with proper doses over their entire thickness in a single session, reducing treatment time and minimizing exposure to critical organs.
Implementation Method 1
an ion beam accelerated by the ion beam generator reaches the irradiation device
Implementation Method 2
a synchrotron (circular accelerator) provided with an extraction deflector for taking the ion beam out of the orbit
Implementation Method 3
at the time when protons are stopped, most of energy of the proton beam is released and the so-called Bragg peak is formed
Implementation Method 4
When the ion beam passes through a thin portion of the ridge filter, the energy of the ion beam is slightly attenuated and the Bragg peak is produced in a deep position inside the body
Data Source
AI summary
A ridge filter or a range modulation wheel (RMW) is formed to have a shape corresponding to an affected part in the patient body. A plurality of spread-out Bragg peaks with the same dose or different doses are formed in the affected part by executing beam-on/off control of the RMW, beam current control with rotation of the RMW, intensity modulation control, or scanning irradiation. As an alternative, a spread-out Bragg peak containing a portion with a different dose is formed. A treatment time is cut.