Multi-Collimator System for Ultrafast FLASH Radiation Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiation therapy technologies face challenges in implementing high-dose rate, short-duration therapy due to limitations in dose rate and quality of dose distribution, particularly with electron and proton therapy systems, and the impracticality of existing multi-leaf collimator (MLC) systems for X-ray based FLASH techniques.

Innovation Solution

A radiation therapy system utilizing a multi-collimator system with pre-positioned and pre-configured multi-leaf collimators (MLCs) that allow for dynamic dose control and high-speed radiation delivery, enabling the implementation of ultra-high dose rate therapy plans like FLASH protocols without the need for mechanical adjustments of MLCs with the radiation source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional single MLC system is used with moving radiation source, then dose distribution can be shaped, but MLC mechanical adjustment time prevents achieving ultra-high dose rate FLASH therapy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose delivery speedVSAvoidMLC adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple MLCs are pre-configured with different aperture patterns corresponding to different radiation beam paths before treatment begins. When the radiation source moves to a new position, the corresponding pre-configured MLC is already ready to shape the beam immediately, eliminating mechanical adjustment time and enabling ultra-high dose rate FLASH therapy delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If electron therapy systems are used for FLASH, then high dose rate can be achieved, but electron penetration depth is insufficient for deep tumors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose rateVSAvoidpenetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A target material is introduced as an intermediary between the electron beam and the tumor. Electrons strike the target to generate X-rays, which then penetrate deep into the tumor. This intermediary approach allows the system to combine the high dose rate capability of electron therapy with the deep penetration capability of X-rays, enabling FLASH therapy for deep-seated tumors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If proton therapy with Bragg Peaks is used for FLASH, then high scanning beam dose rate can be achieved, but energy switching time between depths is too slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning beam dose rateVSAvoidenergy switch time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple proton beams with different energy levels are pre-configured and ready simultaneously. When treatment needs to switch between different tumor depths, the system can immediately switch between pre-prepared beams of appropriate energies without time-consuming energy adjustment, maintaining ultra-high dose rate delivery throughout the treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Speed

If PHASER system with honeycomb target is used, then high dose rate can be generated, but X-ray conversion efficiency is too low for practical FLASH implementation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose rate generationVSAvoidX-ray conversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes target material composition, electron beam energy, and geometric configuration to maximize X-ray conversion efficiency. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both ultra-high dose rate generation and efficient X-ray production, making FLASH therapy practically implementable with improved energy utilization.

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

The system achieves state-of-the-art dose rate and high-quality dose distribution, facilitating efficient and accurate radiation therapy by allowing independent control of each collimator to match the shape of the tumor, thereby enhancing treatment speed and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation source to deliver a high dose of radiation at a high speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The MLCs shape the radiation beam produced by the radiation source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12257456B2Systems and methods for dynamic control of radiation dose in radiation therapy

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

A system and method for delivering radiation therapy to a patient includes generating a radiation therapy plan and adjusting a shape of at least one of a plurality of multi-leaf collimators (MLCs) arranged in an arc about a patient bed to create a respective plurality of desired beam profiles for each of the plurality of MLCs to thereby implement the ultrafast radiation therapy plan delivery. The method further includes control a radiation therapy source to execute the radiation therapy plan by creating the respective plurality of desired beam profiles for each of the plurality of MLCs.