Proton Radiotherapy System FLASH Effect Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for FLASH therapy in proton radiotherapy face challenges when treating tumors near critical radiosensitive organs, as they may induce collateral irradiation and require beam pauses, which can hamper the FLASH effect.
Innovation Solution
A proton radiotherapy system with a control unit that configures the radiation source into two distinct configurations: a first configuration using a monoenergetic proton ultra-high dose rate beam for precise tumor boundary irradiation, and a second configuration using a range of proton energies for delivering radiation to the remaining tumor volume without beam modifying devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If beam pauses are introduced to treat tumors near critical organs, then collateral irradiation to healthy tissue is reduced, but the FLASH effect is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tumor treatment into two distinct configurations: Configuration A delivers ultra-high dose rate radiation (≥40 Gy/s) to treat the bulk tumor volume, while Configuration B delivers conventional dose rate radiation to treat sub-volumes near critical organs. This segmentation allows the FLASH effect to be maintained for most of the tumor while protecting sensitive structures, resolving the contradiction between reducing collateral irradiation and maintaining the FLASH effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different radiation delivery qualities to different spatial regions: ultra-high dose rate radiation is applied to the main tumor volume where the FLASH effect is beneficial, while conventional dose rate radiation is applied locally to sub-volumes adjacent to critical organs where protection is prioritized. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing the FLASH effect to operate where appropriate while protecting sensitive areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beam modifying devices are placed between accelerator and patient, then energy dispersion is increased for treating depth range, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beam modifying devices (ridge filters, scatterers) from the treatment path between the accelerator and patient. Instead, it uses the accelerator's inherent capability to produce monoenergetic proton beams and achieves energy dispersion through the control unit's ability to switch between different beam configurations. This eliminates complex beam modifying devices while maintaining the ability to treat tumors at various depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the control unit universal by enabling it to manage both Configuration A (monoenergetic ultra-high dose rate) and Configuration B (conventional dose rate with energy dispersion) using the same accelerator and delivery system. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve different treatment goals without requiring separate specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If monoenergetic ultra-high dose rate beam is used for FLASH painting, then precise depth energy deposition is achieved, but treatment of remaining tumor volume requires additional configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the radiation source dynamic by enabling the control unit to switch between Configuration A (monoenergetic for precise depth control) and Configuration B (conventional dose rate for comprehensive coverage) during treatment. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to achieve precise energy deposition where needed while treating the remaining tumor volume with appropriate configurations, managing complexity through flexible control rather than fixed hardware.
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 allows for efficient and precise tumor treatment with minimal impact on adjacent healthy tissue, reduces by-product neutron radiation, and maintains the FLASH effect without the need for beam pauses or custom-made devices.
Implementation Method 1
By using a monoenergetic proton beam in the first configuration, the energy is deposited primarily at a precise depth (the Bragg peak depth) depending on the initial energy of the beam
Implementation Method 2
This therapy relies on the FLASH effect, which is a radiobiological phenomenon that reduces the radiation toxicity on healthy tissue compared to the irradiation received in standard radiotherapy, while still maintaining an anti-tumor response comparable to the standard therapy. This effect is triggered at ultra-high dose rates of ≥40 Gy/s
Implementation Method 3
at least one radiation source comprising a proton accelerator, the at least one radiation source adapted to provide proton radiotherapy
Data Source
AI summary
A radiotherapy system has at least one radiation source with a particle accelerator and a control unit for configuring the at least one radiation source. The system is configured in a first configuration to irradiate one or more sub-volumes and/or adjacent volumes of a target using at least one monoenergetic proton ultra-high dose rate beam and a second configuration to irradiate a remaining volume of the target using a non-ultra-high dose rate beam, wherein the radiation is delivered using a range of energies. A computer-implemented method of operating a radiotherapy system is also disclosed.