Radiotherapy Fraction Sequence Visualization and Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatment planning systems for radiotherapy fail to adequately determine and display the correct order of administering treatment plans, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in radiation therapy, particularly in mixing various radiation modalities and timing.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that allows for the designation, linking, and sequential display of treatment plans with designated treatment days, providing a function to sum and approve the plans, while preventing changes after approval, ensuring accurate and efficient administration of radiotherapy fractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If treatment plans are manually sorted by hand in an oncology information system, then the ordering process can be performed, but it is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment planning system automatically determines and establishes the correct sequence of treatment plans before they are executed, eliminating the need for manual sorting and subsequent quality control checks. The system pre-calculates the optimal ordering based on treatment protocols and constraints, so that when plans are transferred to the oncology information system, they are already in the correct sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment planning system performs the ordering function autonomously without requiring manual intervention in the oncology information system. The system self-determines the sequence based on embedded logic and treatment parameters, making the process self-service rather than relying on manual sorting by dosimetrists.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple treatment plans are created for different fractions, then the treatment can be customized, but determining the execution order becomes complex and inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the treatment planning system continuously evaluates the sequence of multiple treatment plans based on cumulative dose calculations and treatment objectives. The system provides feedback on the effectiveness of different ordering approaches and automatically adjusts the sequence to optimize treatment outcomes while maintaining adaptability for different fractionation schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment plan ordering system is dynamic rather than static, allowing automatic resequencing based on treatment progression and cumulative dose effects. The system can adapt the order of plan execution as treatment evolves, providing versatility for different fractionation patterns while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
3Ease of operation
If treatment plans are exported to an oncology information system, then they can be scheduled, but graphical tools to oversee ordering consequences are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment planning system acts as an intermediary that provides comprehensive visual feedback on treatment plan ordering before export to the oncology information system. It generates graphical representations showing cumulative dose distributions and treatment sequence consequences, allowing users to verify ordering decisions before final scheduling, thus preventing information loss.
4Device complexity
If a rigid timing scheme is used for fraction patterns, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate alternative fractionation schedules
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment planning system uses dynamic timing schemes that can adapt to different fractionation patterns including standard, hyperfractionated, and accelerated schedules. The system automatically adjusts treatment delivery timing and plan sequencing based on the selected fractionation protocol, providing versatility while maintaining operational simplicity through automated configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal ordering framework that can handle multiple fractionation schedules and treatment modalities through a single integrated approach. The same core algorithms and visualization tools work across different treatment protocols, eliminating the need for separate rigid timing schemes for each fractionation type.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a method of displaying which treatment plan is administered at each fraction of a complete radiotherapy treatment, comprising displaying treatment plans P1 through Pn, receiving an input that designates which plan or multiple plans from plans P1 through Pn will be administered for each treatment day T1 through Tm, and receiving an input that designates an order of administration of the treatment plans for each treatment day T1 through Tm. This method also includes linking the designated treatment plans with the designated treatment days T1 through Tm, displaying the links as treatment fractions, displaying the treatment fractions in a sequential order, providing a function that sums the designated treatment plans for each treatment day T1 through Tm, providing a component for exchanging the designated treatment plans, providing a component for removing or changing the order of administration, providing a component for approving the fractions and the order of administration, and preventing changes of the fractions and changes of the order of administration after an approval is received.