Projection Imaging Motion Tracking for Multi-Target Radiotherapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation therapy methods for treating locally advanced or oligometastatic cancer face challenges due to differential motion between independently moving structures, leading to compromised treatment accuracy and increased dose to healthy tissue, particularly when addressing multiple targets like the prostate and pelvic nodes, with current systems limited to monitoring single targets.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for monitoring motion of anatomical features using projection imaging with rotating views, enabling tracking of multiple targets by determining displacement and rotation in six degrees of freedom, particularly for the pelvis as a surrogate for pelvic lymph nodes, integrated with therapy delivery systems for real-time adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If large planning target volume margins are applied to compensate for relative motion between targets, then treatment accuracy is improved, but dose to healthy tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment accuracyVSAvoiddose to healthy tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/probabilistic margin-based compensation with an optical/imaging-based active tracking system. The imaging system captures real-time positions of multiple targets and the radiation beam is dynamically adjusted based on measured displacements, substituting the passive mechanical margin approach with active optical measurement and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where the imaging system continuously monitors target positions during radiation delivery, and the radiation beam parameters are adjusted in real-time based on the measured displacements. This closed-loop feedback system allows precise tracking of multiple independently moving targets without requiring large static margins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the prostate is prioritized during alignment for radiation therapy treatment, then prostate treatment accuracy is improved, but dose coverage for pelvic lymph nodes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprostate treatment accuracyVSAvoidlymph node dose coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the alignment system universal by enabling simultaneous tracking of multiple targets (prostate and pelvic lymph nodes) with independent motion compensation. The imaging system and control algorithm can handle any combination of moving targets, allowing the system to adapt to different treatment priorities and target configurations without compromising any single target.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static alignment to dynamic tracking, where the system continuously adapts to changing target positions during treatment delivery. The real-time imaging and beam adjustment allow both prostate and lymph nodes to be tracked as they move independently, eliminating the need to prioritize one target over the other during setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If existing tumor motion tracking systems are used, then single target motion tracking is improved, but multi-target motion monitoring capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle target motion trackingVSAvoidmulti-target motion monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends motion tracking capability from single-target to multi-target by implementing a universal imaging and registration system. The system can simultaneously identify, track, and compensate for motion of multiple independently moving targets within the treatment field, making the tracking system versatile for different treatment scenarios involving one or multiple targets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260000914A1Motion monitoring using projection imaging with rotating views

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 NORTHERN SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT A BODY CORP

AI summary

A method of monitoring motion of an anatomical feature within a subject's body comprises the steps of providing a time series of subject images of a region of the subject's body comprising the anatomical feature, providing a plurality of reference images of the region of the subject's body, determining a displacement of the anatomical feature in each subject image using the plurality of reference mages, and monitoring motion of the anatomical feature based on the displacement of the anatomical feature over the time series of subject images. The plurality of reference images comprise a range of projection angles around an imaging axis and perpendicular to the imaging axis through the region of the subject's body. A computer program product for monitoring motion of an anatomical feature within a subject's body is also provided. A method of delivering therapy to a subject and a therapy delivery system is also provided.