Knowledge-Based Reference Library for Radiation Therapy Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy treatment planning methods experience significant variations due to discrepancies in the delineation of target volumes among physicians, leading to potential treatment failures and complications, as existing definitions and technologies lack standardization and consistency across different users and locations.
Innovation Solution
A knowledge-based reference library and computer system that standardizes 3-D radiation therapy planning by providing updated medical information and optimized planning guidance, utilizing autocontouring methods to reduce contouring time and improve treatment plan consistency among users of varying backgrounds and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physicians manually delineate target volumes based on existing definitions and guidelines, then treatment planning can be performed with current methods, but significant variations and discrepancies occur among different physicians leading to treatment failures and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a reference library by copying and storing expert-delineated target volumes and treatment plans. These standardized templates are then reused across different cases and users, ensuring consistent target volume delineation without relying on individual physician interpretation variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary reference library that mediates between physicians and treatment planning. This library contains pre-established target volume definitions and contours that serve as a standardized intermediary, reducing direct variability in physician delineation practices.
2Manufacturing precision
If standardized reference libraries and autocontouring methods are implemented, then treatment plan consistency and precision are improved across different users and locations, but system complexity and initial setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-delineating target volumes and creating reference treatment plans during the library construction phase. These pre-prepared references are then automatically applied during clinical treatment planning, reducing the need for complex real-time decision-making and manual delineation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated contouring algorithms that automatically generate target volume delineations based on the reference library. This reduces reliance on manual physician input and standardizes the process across different users without requiring extensive training or expertise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual contouring is performed without standardized references, then physicians can use their individual expertise and judgment, but the process is time-consuming and produces inconsistent results across different medical practices and geographic locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial automation where the reference library provides pre-delineated contours for standard cases, and physicians only need to make minor adjustments when clinical circumstances require it. This partial action approach maintains physician expertise application while significantly reducing contouring time for routine cases.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed that reduces variation in radiation therapy treatment planning among plurality of users within the same or different geographic locations. The system includes a method and an apparatus that provide users with the knowledge information and utilizing the knowledge information to contour target volumes for radiation treatment planning. The mode of operation includes utilizing a stand-alone workstation or a server computer connected to the plurality of thin client workstations.