Irradiation Parameter Selection for Neutron Capture Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiotherapy methods, including neutron capture therapy, face challenges in optimizing irradiation parameters such as angle and position due to the complexity of the human body and varying tissue sensitivities, leading to suboptimal therapeutic effects and inefficient equipment use.

Innovation Solution

An irradiation parameter selection apparatus that samples multiple sets of parameters, calculates evaluation values based on boron concentration, radiation sensitivity, and neutron beam characteristics, and selects the optimal feasible set for precise tumor targeting while minimizing damage to normal tissues, accompanied by a control system for quick adjustment of the mounting table.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual judgment is used to select irradiation angle based on experience, then the process is simple and quick, but the therapeutic effect deteriorates due to ignoring better irradiation angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of irradiation angle selectionVSAvoidtherapeutic effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces software as an intermediary between manual judgment and irradiation angle selection. The software calculates evaluation values for multiple irradiation angles based on patient-specific anatomical data and tissue sensitivity, providing objective recommendations that supplement human expertise and identify optimal angles that might be overlooked by manual assessment alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by calculating and presenting evaluation values for different irradiation angles, allowing operators to compare multiple options with quantified effectiveness metrics. This feedback mechanism enables informed decision-making by showing the relative merits of different angular choices based on the specific patient's anatomy and tissue sensitivities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If software calculation is used to select optimal irradiation point and angle, then the therapeutic effect is optimized, but the results may be impossible to apply in actual operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectVSAvoidfeasibility of treatment plan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent calculates evaluation values for multiple irradiation angles (excessive action) but presents them in a prioritized manner, allowing operators to select from the top candidates that are both optimal and feasible. This partial selection approach ensures that the most theoretically optimal angles are considered first, while maintaining practical applicability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The software acts as an intermediary that bridges theoretical optimization and practical feasibility by presenting calculated optimal angles alongside feasibility assessments. The system identifies angles that are both therapeutically optimal and operationally achievable, translating complex calculation results into actionable treatment recommendations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If mounting table position is adjusted manually to achieve optimal irradiation parameters, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of mounting tableVSAvoidposition adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of optimal irradiation parameters (point and angle) before the actual treatment begins. By determining the optimal mounting table position in advance through software calculation, the system enables direct positioning without time-consuming manual adjustments during the treatment setup phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of the mounting table with automated positioning based on pre-calculated optimal parameters. The system uses computational methods to determine precise positioning requirements, substituting the need for iterative manual mechanical adjustments with a calculated target position that can be achieved more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach enhances the precision and efficiency of neutron capture therapy by optimizing irradiation parameters, reducing radiation damage to normal tissues and improving treatment efficacy, while also streamlining the positioning process to enhance equipment use and patient comfort.

Implementation Method 1

the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) which combines the specific aggregation of a boron-containing drug in tumor cells and the precise radiation beam regulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNuclear reaction: Nuclear Fission

Data Source

PatentEP4035731B1Irradiation parameter selection apparatus and usage method thereof and control system comprising said apparatus and usage method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 NEUBORON THERAPY SYST LTD
  • EP4035731B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4035731B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4035731B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An irradiation parameter selection apparatus (71) and a usage method thereof and a control system (7) comprising the irradiation parameter selection apparatus (71) and a usage method thereof, the irradiation parameters comprising irradiation points and irradiation angles, and the irradiation parameter selection apparatus (71) comprising: a sampling part (711) for selecting multiple sets of irradiation points and irradiation angles; a calculation part (712) for calculating an evaluation value corresponding to the multiple sets of irradiation points and irradiation angles; and a selection part (713) for selecting the best set of implementable irradiation points and irradiation angles from all of the sampled irradiation points and irradiation angles on the basis of the evaluation values calculated by the calculation part (712).