Monte Carlo Dose Calculation Optimization for Neutron Capture Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional Monte Carlo method for neutron capture therapy is limited by slow convergence speed and long calculation time, hindering the efficient formulation of treatment plans that minimize radiation damage to normal tissues while effectively targeting tumor cells.

Innovation Solution

Optimize Monte Carlo calculation by simulating particle transport and dose counting methods, including acquiring particle information, calculating macroscopic cross-sections, determining survival status, and optimizing dose value calculations to reduce redundant computations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the Monte Carlo method is used to simulate particle transport and calculate dose distribution, then the accuracy of the calculation model is improved, but the calculation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedose calculation accuracyVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the calculation process into separate modules: particle transport simulation, dose calculation, and treatment plan formulation. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, improving overall efficiency while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes calculation parameters such as particle history numbers, energy thresholds, and spatial discretization to achieve the best balance between calculation accuracy and time consumption. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high precision while reducing computational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If detailed particle transport simulation is performed to ensure accurate dose distribution, then the treatment plan quality is improved, but the operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment plan qualityVSAvoidplan formulation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculations and pre-processing of patient data before the main treatment plan formulation. This includes pre-calculating particle transport parameters and organizing patient anatomy data, which reduces the time required for the actual treatment plan generation while maintaining high quality results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simplified models and approximation methods for certain calculations, creating simplified copies of the full physics model where appropriate. This allows faster computation for routine calculations while maintaining accuracy for critical dose determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

Accelerates the formulation of treatment plans, ensuring accuracy and reducing operation time while minimizing radiation damage to normal tissues.

Implementation Method 1

the Monte Carlo method can establish the model accurately and simulate the random walk processes of the radiating particles in the body truly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMonte Carlo method:

Data Source

PatentEP4623989A1Optimization method for monte carlo calculation and neutron capture therapy system
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 NEUBORON THERAPY SYST LTD
  • EP4623989A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4623989A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4623989A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An optimization method for Monte Carlo calculation and a neutron capture therapy system. The method at least comprises: simulating a particle transport process using a transport calculation method; statistically determining expected dose values of particles using a dose counting method; and calculating an average expected dose value of a voxel grid on the basis of the expected dose value of each of the particles. By means of optimizing the simulation of the particle transport process or the dose counting method, the Monte Carlo calculation is optimized, thus shortening the therapy planning time.