Radiation Therapy Planning Modulability and Visibility Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation therapy treatment planning techniques face challenges in accurately determining geometry parameters such as isocenter position, rotation axis, and collimator angle, especially in arc therapy, due to their complex effects on treatment plan quality, making it difficult to achieve optimal results.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a modulability factor and visibility factor using a processor to optimize geometry parameters, allowing for improved collimator configuration and radiation beam modulation to enhance treatment planning, particularly in arc therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual determination of geometry parameters is used, then operator control is maintained, but treatment plan quality optimization is insufficient due to complex parameter interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces modulability and visibility factors as intermediary metrics that bridge the complex relationship between geometry parameters and treatment plan quality. These factors serve as mediators that translate complex multi-parameter interactions into quantifiable measures, enabling systematic optimization without requiring manual trial-and-error adjustment of numerous parameters simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the optimization problem by changing the parameters used for evaluation - instead of directly optimizing geometry parameters (isocenter position, rotation axis, collimator angle), the system optimizes derived parameters (modulability factor, visibility factor) that capture the essential quality aspects. This parameter transformation simplifies the optimization landscape while maintaining treatment plan quality
2Adaptability or versatility
If arc therapy is used to improve treatment coverage, then radiation delivery flexibility is enhanced, but geometry parameter optimization becomes more difficult due to complex parameter effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex optimization problem into distinct components by introducing separate metrics for different aspects of treatment quality. The modulability factor addresses beam shaping and dose distribution flexibility, while the visibility factor addresses target coverage and organ-at-risk avoidance. This segmentation allows each aspect to be optimized independently rather than simultaneously adjusting all geometry parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces modulability and visibility factors as intermediary metrics that bridge the complex relationship between geometry parameters and treatment plan quality. These factors serve as mediators that translate complex multi-parameter interactions into quantifiable measures, enabling systematic optimization without requiring manual trial-and-error adjustment of numerous parameters simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use in a treatment planning process includes determining a modulability factor, and determining a treatment parameter using the modulability factor. A system for use in a treatment planning process includes a processor, wherein the processor is configured for determining a modulability factor, and determining a treatment parameter using the modulability factor. A method for use in a treatment planning process includes determining a visibility factor, and determining a treatment parameter using the visibility factor. A system for use in a treatment planning process includes a processor, wherein the processor is configured for determining a visibility factor, and determining a treatment parameter using the visibility factor.