MRI Free Radical Detection Using Nitroxide Probe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for assessing radiation damage, such as those in radiation therapy, face challenges in accurately detecting and monitoring free radicals without disrupting the MRI static field, which is essential for precise dosing and minimizing harm to both cancerous and normal tissues.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using MRI to detect free radicals generated by radiation therapy without altering the MRI static field, employing fast imaging sequences and magnetic interactions to assess and control radiation exposure, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of radiation therapy protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods are used to detect free radicals during radiation therapy, then radiation damage assessment is possible, but the MRI static field must be changed which disrupts dosing precision and increases harm to normal tissues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefree radical detection capabilityVSAvoidharm to normal tissues

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary substance (nitroxide radical probe) that mediates between the radiation-induced free radicals and the MRI detection system. This probe allows detection of free radicals through MRI signal changes without requiring changes to the MRI static field, thus avoiding disruption to dosing precision and reducing harm to normal tissues while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the MRI static field is changed to detect free radicals, then free radical presence can be assessed, but dosing precision is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefree radical detectionVSAvoidradiation dosing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nitroxide radical probe serves as an intermediary that enables free radical detection through MRI without altering the static field. The probe's paramagnetic properties cause measurable signal changes when exposed to radiation-induced free radicals, allowing dosing precision to be maintained while achieving detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of changing the MRI static field parameters, the patent changes the chemical parameter of the tissue environment by introducing the nitroxide probe. This probe undergoes chemical changes (oxidation to nitrosonium ion) when exposed to free radicals, which in turn causes detectable MRI signal changes while the static field remains constant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables precise detection and control of free radicals during radiation therapy, potentially leading to more effective cancer treatment with reduced harm to normal tissues and improved radiation planning protocols.

Implementation Method 1

instrumentation and methodologies are provided that enable the direct measurement of free radicals generated in patients as a result of radiation therapy through the use of proton beams and other forms of ionizing radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic Resonance Imaging:

Implementation Method 2

detect, monitor and/or control generation of free radicals in cancerous tissue during such radiation therapy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFree radical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11709218B2MRI detection of free-radicals from radiation

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 WEINBERG MEDICAL PHYSICS INC

AI summary

Embodiments now disclosed herein provide an apparatus and method in which free radicals can be detected in a substance by MRI without changing the MRI static field.