Proton Therapy X-ray Imaging for Tumor Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for precise patient positioning and verification immediately prior to and during particle beam therapy to ensure targeted delivery of energy to cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
A charged particle cancer therapy X-ray method and apparatus that uses an X-ray beam generated proximate to the charged particle beam path to collect images of the tumor area, allowing for real-time alignment and verification of the proton beam to accurately target the tumor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional electromagnetic X-ray therapy is used, then radiation can be delivered to treat cancer, but the highest dose is deposited near the surface of the targeted tissue resulting in large amounts of radiation being delivered outside of the tumor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of radiation type from electromagnetic radiation (X-rays) to charged particle radiation (protons or carbon ions). This parameter change enables precise dose delivery to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, as charged particles deposit energy differently through the Bragg peak effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the naturally occurring scattered radiation that would normally be harmful to healthy tissue into a beneficial imaging tool. By using the same charged particle beam for both therapy and generating X-ray images for verification, the system turns potential harm into a diagnostic advantage.
2Measurement precision
If patient positioning verification is performed using separate X-ray equipment, then positioning can be verified, but mechanical movement of equipment and time delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the therapeutic charged particle beam system with the diagnostic X-ray imaging system into a single integrated apparatus. The X-ray generation source and detector are positioned within the charged particle beam path, allowing simultaneous or sequential use of the same equipment for both therapy and imaging verification, eliminating mechanical movement and time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The charged particle beam system serves dual functions: delivering therapeutic radiation to the tumor and generating X-ray images for positioning verification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated imaging equipment and streamlines the workflow.
3Measurement precision
If aligned X-ray imaging is used for verification, then precise targeting can be achieved, but additional equipment and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the X-ray generation source, X-ray detector, and charged particle beam delivery system into a single integrated apparatus. This merging eliminates the need for separate imaging equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise targeting capabilities.
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 precise and efficient alignment of the proton beam with the tumor, minimizing movement-related inaccuracies and increasing the system's operational efficiency by allowing X-ray imaging to be performed concurrently with proton therapy, thus ensuring accurate and controlled delivery of energy.
Implementation Method 1
an electron beam source (340) generating an electron beam (350) that is directed to an X-ray generation source (360) resulting in generated X-rays
Implementation Method 2
a collimator (405) that shapes the generated X-rays into an X-ray beam (370)
Implementation Method 3
a charged particle beam therapy system that uses an X-ray beam generated proximate to the charged particle beam path
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an X-ray method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The system uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The system creates an electron beam that strikes an X-ray generation source where the X-ray generation source is located proximate to the proton beam path. By generating the X-rays near the proton beam path, an X-ray path that is essentially the proton beam path is created. Using the generated X-rays, the system collects X-ray images of a localized body tissue region about a cancerous tumor. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the proton beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.