Phosphor-Based X-Ray Contrast Agents for Tumor Imaging and Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating radiant energy inside a medium or body to induce therapeutic changes are limited by the need for line-of-sight access and inefficiencies in energy conversion, particularly in medical applications such as tumor imaging and treatment, where precise and controlled energy delivery is required.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an X-ray source and phosphors capable of emitting light upon interaction with the body, which infuse a tumor with a photoactivatable drug and control the delivery of X-rays or electrons to activate the drug internally, allowing for both imaging and therapeutic effects without direct line-of-sight access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional light-activated processing methods are used, then direct activation of photo-reactive species is achieved, but line-of-sight access is required and energy conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phosphors as intermediary substances that absorb high-energy radiation (X-rays, gamma rays, electrons) and convert it to lower-energy photons. These phosphors act as mediators between the penetrating high-energy radiation and the photo-reactive species, enabling indirect activation without requiring line-of-sight access. The phosphors are positioned within or near the target medium to facilitate this energy transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct optical illumination (mechanical light delivery system requiring line-of-sight) with a radiation-based activation system. High-energy radiation sources (X-ray tubes, linear accelerators, radioactive isotopes) substitute for conventional light sources, and the phosphors convert this radiation into optically active photons, eliminating the need for direct optical path access to the treatment site.
2Length of stationary object
If high energy radiation sources are used for deep tissue penetration, then interior energy activation is achieved, but precision control and imaging capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs radiation sources and detection systems that perform multiple functions: the same X-ray or gamma-ray source used for activating phosphors deep within tissue also enables imaging through detected radiation patterns. The system simultaneously achieves deep penetration for therapy and maintains imaging capability, making the equipment universal for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates imaging capabilities that provide real-time feedback on radiation delivery and phosphor activation locations. This feedback mechanism allows precise control of the high-energy radiation sources, ensuring accurate targeting of deep tissue regions while monitoring treatment progress and adjusting parameters as needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If photoactivatable drugs are activated externally, then simple delivery is achieved, but internal activation precision and therapeutic effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phosphors with specific emission characteristics matched to the absorption spectra of photoactivatable drugs. By selecting phosphors whose emitted photons correspond to the drug's activation wavelength, the system achieves localized and precise activation only in regions where both the phosphor and drug are present, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining simple drug delivery protocols.
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
Enables effective tumor imaging and treatment by activating photoactivatable drugs internally, enhancing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing exposure and maximizing energy efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
photon-emitting phosphors having therapeutic properties
Implementation Method 2
Tumor imaging with X-rays and other high energy sources using as contrast agents photon-emitting phosphors
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for imaging or treating a disease in a human or animal body. The system provides to the human or animal body a pharmaceutical carrier including one or more phosphors which are capable of emitting ultraviolet or visible light into the body and which provide x-ray contrast. The system includes one or more devices which infuse a diseased site with a photoactivatable drug and the pharmaceutical carrier, an initiation energy source comprising an x-ray or high energy source which irradiates the diseased site with at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or electrons to thereby initiate emission of said ultraviolet or visible light into the body, and a processor programmed to at least one of 1) produce images of the diseased site or 2) control a dose of said x-rays, gamma rays, or electrons to the diseased site for production of said ultraviolet or visible light at the diseased site to activate the photoactivatable drug.