On-Board Imaging System for Tumor Targeting in Radiation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy systems, particularly in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), face limitations in accurately targeting tumors due to limited sensitivity in detecting tumor extensions, shape and spatial changes during treatment, and heterogeneity of tumor radiobiological properties, leading to uncertainties in dose distribution and healthy tissue irradiation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of multiple imaging modalities such as conventional CT, spectral-CT, and SPECT into a unified on-board imaging system, using a single radiation source and imager, allows for comprehensive structural, chemical, and molecular imaging, enabling precise delineation of tumor targets and personalized radiation fields while minimizing healthy tissue exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional kV- and MV-imaging systems are used for IGRT, then real-time imaging guidance during radiation therapy is achieved, but the detection sensitivity of tumor cells is limited and the whole CTV cannot be seen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (conventional CT, spectral-CT, and SPECT) into a unified on-board imaging system. This merging allows the system to overcome the limitations of single modality imaging by integrating anatomical, chemical, and molecular information to achieve comprehensive CTV visualization and improved tumor cell detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single radiation source and imager. The system can switch between conventional CT for anatomical imaging, spectral-CT for chemical composition analysis, and SPECT for molecular imaging, thereby providing universal imaging capabilities that address both detection sensitivity and CTV visualization requirements
2Reliability
If safety margins are extended to account for tumor shape and spatial position changes, then tumor coverage is improved, but large portions of healthy tissue are included in the high dose volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering non-uniform dose distributions tailored to specific regions within the tumor. Using multi-modality imaging to identify heterogeneous radiobiological properties (such as hypoxic vs. well-oxygenated regions), the system optimizes dose distribution to provide higher doses to radio-resistant subvolumes and lower doses to radio-sensitive areas, thereby improving tumor control while reducing healthy tissue irradiation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts treatment planning by integrating real-time imaging data during the radiotherapy course. This allows for dynamic adjustment of dose distributions to account for tumor shape and spatial position changes, enabling precise tracking of moving targets and reducing the need for static safety margins that would otherwise irradiate healthy tissue
3Ease of operation
If homogeneous dose distribution is delivered to the target assuming homogenous cancerous tissue, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but the heterogeneity of molecular profiles within tumor regions is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by transitioning from homogeneous to heterogeneous dose distribution based on imaging data. The system uses spectral-CT and SPECT to map molecular profiles (such as hypoxia, proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis markers) and delivers spatially varying doses that match the radiobiological heterogeneity of different tumor subvolumes, thereby addressing molecular profile information while maintaining operational feasibility through automated treatment planning
4Measurement precision
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated into a unified system, then comprehensive structural, chemical, and molecular imaging is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by designing a universal imaging platform that performs multiple imaging modalities (conventional CT, spectral-CT, and SPECT) using a single radiation source and single imager. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate imaging systems, thereby achieving comprehensive imaging capabilities while minimizing the increase in device complexity through shared hardware components
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 enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of radiation therapy by providing detailed imaging for precise tumor targeting, improving dose distribution, and reducing healthy tissue irradiation, thereby improving clinical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
real-time imaging guidance during radiation therapy is predominately achieved by using on-board kilovoltage (kV) and megavoltage (MV) X-ray imaging systems
Implementation Method 2
combining multiple imaging techniques, such as conventional-computed tomography (CT), spectral-CT, and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation therapy system is equipped with a combined imaging system, such as an imaging system combining computed tomography (CT), spectral CT, and single photon emission tomography imaging (SPECT), for guidance of radiation beams providing radiotherapy. The system can include at least one x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam at a low energy level for imaging and/or an x-ray beam at a high energy level for radiation therapy. The system can also include at least one imager, such as a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) or cadmium telluride (CdTe) flat-panel imager that receives x-ray beams traversing a subject from the x-ray source and gamma rays emitted by radioisotope tracers injected into the subject. Based on the guidance of the triple images (CT, spectral CT, and SPECT), a computer system can control the radiation therapeutic beam delivery to target areas, such as lesions and/or tumors.