RADFET Probe Dosimetry for Patient-Specific Extravasation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing tumor response to treatments, particularly in the context of radiopharmaceutical injections, are limited by the inability to accurately measure and predict extravasations, which lead to inaccurate radiation dose calculations and potential tissue damage, and existing dosimetry techniques fail to account for changes in extravasated activity or volume over time.
Innovation Solution
The use of radiation probes and modified RADFETs to measure radiation activity over time, allowing for the determination of extravasation dosimetry without relying on nuclear medicine imaging devices, and employing methods to convert count-rate or accumulated dose curves into absolute activity or dose curves, considering tissue characteristics and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation probes and modified RADFETs are used to measure radiation activity over time, then measurement precision of extravasation dosimetry is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs radiation probes and modified RADFETs as intermediary devices that directly measure radiation activity at the injection site. These sensors act as mediators between the radiopharmaceutical and the measurement system, providing time-resolved data without requiring complex nuclear medicine imaging equipment. The probes convert radiation signals into measurable electrical signals that can be processed to determine dosimetry parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified measurement model that copies the essential information needed for dosimetry calculation without replicating the full complexity of nuclear medicine imaging systems. By measuring radiation activity over time with simple probes and using mathematical conversion methods, the system reproduces the critical dosimetry data that would otherwise require sophisticated imaging equipment to obtain.
2Measurement precision
If conversion methods are used to convert count-rate curves to absolute activity curves, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs iterative conversion methods that use feedback loops to refine the transformation from count-rate curves to absolute activity curves. The system continuously adjusts conversion factors based on measured data and known physical parameters, improving precision while minimizing information loss through progressive refinement rather than single-step conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement data by changing parameters from count rates to absolute activity values through calibrated conversion factors. This parameter transformation preserves essential information while converting to the clinically relevant metric, using known relationships between detector response and actual radiation activity to maintain measurement fidelity.
3Measurement precision
If radiation probes are positioned proximate the region of interest to measure radiation activity, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or single-use radiation probes and RADFETs that are designed to be replaced after each measurement. These inexpensive, short-lived sensors can be positioned close to the injection site to obtain high-precision measurements without concern for their own radiation damage, as they are discarded after use rather than reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to be self-sufficient with each probe containing its own signal processing and memory capabilities. The probes autonomously record radiation activity over time and store the data, eliminating the need for complex external processing equipment and reducing the overall system's vulnerability to radiation damage.
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 accurate measurement of radiation dose to both skin and underlying tissue, providing patient-specific extravasation dosimetry and reducing the risk of undetected radiation exposure, thereby improving treatment decisions and research conclusions.
Implementation Method 1
determining a count-rate curve over a time-period of interest using one or more radiation probes positioned proximate a region of interest
Implementation Method 2
The use of radiation probes and modified RADFETs to measure radiation activity over time
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining accumulated radiation dose is presented. In some embodiments, the system and method include use of one or more RADFETs to measure and accumulated radiation dose over a desired period of time from an area of interest in a patient. In some embodiments, the one or more RADFETs may be arranged on a test strip, and electrical circuitry provided to selectively couple certain terminals of the RADFETS together to facilitate improved measurement of accumulated dose. A reader may also be utilized wherein the reader may receive a test strip, decouple the electrical connections between select terminals, inject a current into the RADFET and/or measure a voltage from the RADFET corresponding to an accumulated radiation dose.