Therapeutic Light Control via Real-Time Fluorescence Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

In photoimmunotherapy, the treatment effect varies among subjects due to inconsistent therapeutic light irradiation times and intensities, leading to unnecessary burden on subjects and potential incomplete treatments.

Innovation Solution

A treatment support device and method that control therapeutic light emission based on fluorescence intensity detected from a fluorescent dye, adjusting irradiation time and intensity to optimize treatment progress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the irradiation time of therapeutic light is determined in advance, then the treatment process is simplified, but the treatment effect varies among subjects leading to incomplete treatment or unnecessary burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment process simplicityVSAvoidtreatment effect consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a detection unit to measure fluorescence intensity in real-time during light irradiation and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the irradiation time and/or intensity dynamically based on the measured fluorescence levels, ensuring treatment is completed when the therapeutic effect is achieved rather than following a fixed predetermined schedule

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment protocol transitions from a static predetermined irradiation time to a dynamic adjustment mechanism where irradiation parameters (time and intensity) are continuously modified based on real-time fluorescence measurements, allowing the system to adapt to individual subject responses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the irradiation time is extended to ensure complete treatment, then treatment completion is improved, but the burden on the subject increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment completionVSAvoidburden on subject

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit continuously monitors fluorescence intensity during irradiation and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. When the fluorescence intensity indicates that the therapeutic effect has been achieved, the control unit stops or reduces irradiation, preventing unnecessary extended treatment and associated burden on the subject

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the subject's own fluorescence signal as an automatic indicator of treatment progress. The treatment process becomes self-regulating, where the biological response of the subject directly controls the continuation or termination of irradiation without requiring external judgment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the irradiation intensity is increased to improve treatment effect, then treatment efficacy is improved, but the burden on the subject increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidburden on subject

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts irradiation intensity based on real-time fluorescence measurements rather than using a fixed high intensity. The control unit modifies intensity levels during treatment to achieve the necessary therapeutic effect while minimizing excessive exposure and associated burden on the subject

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes irradiation parameters (intensity and/or time) based on measured fluorescence intensity. By monitoring the fluorescence signal and adjusting parameters accordingly, the system achieves effective treatment at lower intensity levels than would be required with fixed-parameter irradiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures appropriate therapeutic light control, preventing unnecessary exposure and ensuring treatment completion by dynamically adjusting light parameters based on real-time fluorescence monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

detect intensity of fluorescence generated from the fluorescent dye, when the therapeutic light is being emitted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

when a subject is irradiated with near-infrared light (therapeutic light) having a wavelength of about 600 nm to about 750 nm for a predetermined period, heat is generated in the therapeutic agent (RM-1929), thereby destroying the cancer cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotothermal effect: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20220288411A1Treatment support device and therapeutic light control method

Publication Date: 2022.09.15 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

A treatment support device (1) configured to control therapeutic light irradiated toward a treatment site of a subject (ST) to whom a therapeutic agent containing a fluorescent dye used in photoimmunotherapy has been administered and excite the fluorescent dye by means of the therapeutic light to perform treatment is provided with: a light source (242) for emitting the therapeutic light; a control unit (17) for controlling the irradiation time and the irradiation intensity of the therapeutic light; and a detection unit (182) for detecting the intensity of the fluorescence generated from the fluorescent dye, when the therapeutic light is being emitted. The control unit (17) controls at least one of the irradiation time and the irradiation intensity of the therapeutic light based on the irradiation intensity of the fluorescence.