Neutron Therapy Positioning Verification With Marker-Based Image Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiation therapy systems, such as photon or electron therapy, suffer from inaccuracies in positioning that can lead to damage of normal tissues and poor efficacy against radiation-resistant neoplasms like Glioblastoma Multiforme and Melanoma, and neutron capture therapy systems face challenges in ensuring precise positioning to avoid excessive irradiation and ensure accurate dose delivery.

Innovation Solution

A radiation therapy system with an irradiation module, image module, treatment planning module, positioning module, and processing module, which uses markers and multiple image modules to verify and correct positioning accuracy by calculating deviation values and adjusting the position of the to-be-irradiated body based on image data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional radiation therapy positioning is used, then the therapy can be administered, but positioning accuracy is insufficient leading to damage of normal tissues and poor therapy effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidradiation damage to normal tissues
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning verification by capturing images of markers on the patient's body before radiation delivery, calculates deviation values from the treatment plan, and adjusts positioning in advance to ensure accurate dose delivery while preventing damage to normal tissues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual positioning verification with an automated image-based system that uses markers, image capture devices, and computer processing to automatically calculate positioning deviation and guide correction, eliminating human error and improving precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual positioning verification is performed, then positioning can be checked, but the operating time is long and operation is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning verification accuracyVSAvoidpositioning verification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service positioning verification by automatically capturing marker images, calculating deviation values from the treatment plan, and providing correction guidance without requiring complex manual measurement procedures, thereby reducing both time and operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback by immediately calculating positioning deviation values after image capture and providing actionable correction information, allowing rapid iteration and verification without prolonged manual assessment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4649996A1Radiation therapy system and positioning method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 NEUBORON THERAPY SYST LTD
  • EP4649996A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4649996A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4649996A1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

A radiation therapy system, especially, a neutron capture therapy system, and a positioning method thereof are provided. The positioning method includes: determining a target position of a to-be-irradiated body based on a treatment plan; moving the to-be-irradiated body to a positioning position according to the target position; obtaining second image data of the to-be-irradiated body and a reference object; determining first position information based on the treatment plan, and determining second position information based on the second image data; calculating a deviation value between the positioning position and the target position based on the first position information and the second position information; and adjusting a position of the to-be-irradiated body based on the deviation value. A positioning verification method and a correction method of a radiation therapy system are further included, so that a positioning deviation can be verified and corrected, thereby ensuring safety and accuracy of radiation therapy.