Multi-Beamline Proton Therapy System Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current charged particle cancer therapy systems face challenges in achieving safe, accurate, and precise imaging and treatment of tumors using charged particles, particularly in terms of mechanical errors associated with the isocenter point and alignment uncertainties.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beamline charged particle cancer therapy system utilizing a synchrotron, beam transport lines, fiducial markers, and scintillation detectors for precise positioning and imaging, allowing for dynamic determination of tumor position without relying on an isocenter point, and enabling simultaneous imaging and treatment with positively charged particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single proton source and accelerator is used to serve multiple treatment rooms, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but alignment precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate due to mechanical errors at the isocenter point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment system into multiple independent beamlines (first beamline, second beamline, third beamline), each with its own transport line and nozzle system. This segmentation allows each beamline to be independently aligned and calibrated, eliminating the accumulation of mechanical errors that would occur in a shared isocenter system, thereby resolving the contradiction between system complexity and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a positioning system with fiducial markers and detectors as an intermediary between the beam delivery system and the patient. This intermediary enables real-time tracking and dynamic adjustment of beam position, compensating for any residual alignment uncertainties and achieving precise tumor targeting without requiring perfect mechanical alignment at a shared isocenter.
2Device complexity
If an isocenter point is used for beam convergence, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and positioning accuracy worsen due to mechanical errors and alignment uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical isocenter convergence system with a dynamic positioning system based on fiducial markers and detectors. Instead of relying on mechanical precision at a fixed isocenter point, the system uses electromagnetic field-based tracking and real-time position measurement to achieve superior tumor positioning accuracy, substituting mechanical alignment with a more precise measurement and control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static isocenter-based system to a dynamic positioning system that continuously tracks tumor position using fiducial markers and adjusts beam delivery in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to patient movement and anatomical variations, achieving higher measurement precision than a fixed mechanical isocenter system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple independent beamlines are used for simultaneous imaging and treatment, then imaging accuracy and treatment precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each beamline to serve multiple functions: treatment delivery, imaging, and positioning verification. The same beam transport line and nozzle system are used for both therapeutic proton delivery and imaging operations, eliminating the need for completely separate imaging and treatment systems. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high imaging accuracy and treatment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges imaging and treatment functions into integrated beamlines. The imaging detectors and treatment nozzles are combined in the same spatial configuration, allowing simultaneous or coordinated imaging and treatment operations. This merging reduces the number of separate systems required and simplifies the overall device architecture while achieving the dual goals of accurate imaging and precise treatment.
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
The system provides accurate and precise tumor imaging and treatment by eliminating mechanical errors and alignment uncertainties, ensuring effective delivery of radiation to tumors while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a synchrotron mounted to an elevated floor section above the floor of the beam treatment center
Implementation Method 2
a beam transport system, comprising: a first fixed-position beam transport line terminating along a first axis, a second fixed-position beam transport line terminating along a second axis within twenty degrees of ninety degrees off of the first axis
Implementation Method 3
scintillation detectors for precise positioning and imaging
Implementation Method 4
fiducial markers, and scintillation detectors for precise positioning and imaging
Implementation Method 5
Proton therapy works by aiming energetic ionizing particles, such as protons accelerated with a particle accelerator, onto a target tumor. These particles damage the DNA of cells, ultimately causing their death.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor of a patient, in a beam treatment center comprising a floor, with positively charged particles, comprising: (1) a synchrotron mounted to an elevated floor section above the floor of the beam treatment center; (2) a beam transport system, comprising: at least three fixed-position beam transport lines, where none of the synchrotron and the beam transport system penetrate through the floor of the beam treatment center; (3) the positively charged particles transported from the synchrotron, through the beam transport system, to a position above a patient positioning system during use; and (4) an optional repositionable nozzle system connected to a first, second, and third fixed-position beam transport line at a first, second, and third time, respectively, where the nozzle track forms an arc of a circle and the repositionable nozzle system moves along the nozzle track.