Neutron Dose Correction in Boron Capture Therapy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional radiotherapy methods, such as photon or electron therapy, cause significant harm to normal tissues due to their physical limitations and have poor efficacy on radio-resistant tumors like glioblastoma multiforme and melanoma, while neutron capture therapy faces challenges in accurate dosage control and potential operator errors during irradiation.

Innovation Solution

A neutron capture therapy apparatus with a neutron beam irradiation system, detection system, and correction system to ensure accurate neutron dosage by real-time detection and correction using boron concentration, neutron flux, and correction coefficients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional photon or electron therapy is used, then the treatment can be applied widely, but normal tissues on the beam path are harmed significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability of therapyVSAvoidradiation injury to normal tissues

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time detection of boron concentration and neutron flux during irradiation, with feedback control mechanisms that adjust treatment parameters based on actual conditions. This ensures precise dosage control while minimizing damage to normal tissues through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies boron neutron capture therapy which delivers radiation selectively to tumor cells containing boron-10, while normal tissues without boron receive minimal radiation. This localizes the therapeutic effect to the tumor region while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If neutron capture therapy is used to treat radio-resistant tumors, then treatment efficacy is improved, but accurate dosage control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacy on radio-resistant tumorsVSAvoiddosage control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time detection of neutron flux and boron concentration with feedback control to adjust irradiation parameters dynamically. This ensures precise dosage delivery despite variations in tumor boron uptake or neutron beam characteristics, maintaining both efficacy and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual dosage calculation and control with automated detection systems that measure boron concentration and neutron flux, then use computational algorithms to determine and adjust the optimal irradiation dosage. This substitutes mechanical/manual processes with automated sensing and computation for higher precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If manual control of irradiation parameters is allowed during therapy, then operational flexibility is maintained, but operator errors increase medical risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsafety against operator errors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback on irradiation parameters and automatically detects deviations from the treatment plan. When errors or anomalies are detected, the system can alert operators or automatically correct parameters, maintaining safety while allowing necessary operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-correction of irradiation parameters based on real-time detection data. The automated control mechanisms reduce dependence on manual operator input, minimizing human error while maintaining the ability to intervene when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 apparatus ensures precise neutron irradiation, minimizing damage to normal tissues and improving treatment efficacy on radio-resistant tumors by accurately adjusting neutron dosage based on real-time boron concentration and flux.

Implementation Method 1

a neutron beam irradiation system configured to generate a neutron beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron beam generation:

Implementation Method 2

a detection system configured to detect irradiation parameters during a neutron beam irradiation therapy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron flux detection:

Implementation Method 3

a boron concentration detection device configured to detect a boron concentration in the object to be irradiated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBoron concentration detection:

Implementation Method 4

neutron capture therapy combines the abovementioned two concepts, for example, boron neutron capture therapy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBoron neutron capture:

Data Source

PatentUS12605567B2Neutron capture therapy apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 NEUBORON THERAPY SYST LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a neutron capture therapy apparatus. The neutron capture therapy apparatus is used for irradiating a neutron beam with a preset neutron dose to an object to be irradiated. The neutron beam enters the object and undergoes a nuclear reaction with boron in the object. The neutron capture therapy apparatus includes a correction system for correcting the preset neutron dose.