Time-of-Flight Charged Particle Therapy Beam State Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for safe, accurate, and precise imaging and treatment of tumors using charged particles in cancer therapy, as existing methods lack efficiency and precision.
Innovation Solution
A time-of-flight measurement system is used in a charged particle cancer therapy system to determine the state of positively charged particles, such as protons, by measuring the elapsed time between detection at two time-of-flight detectors and using this information to generate images of tumors. This system includes fiducial markers and detectors to determine the relative positions of objects in the treatment room, allowing for precise targeting and treatment without relying on an isocenter point, and combines with tomography and radiation therapy systems for comprehensive imaging and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging and treatment methods are used, then the system is simpler to operate, but the measurement precision and treatment accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement process into multiple components: time-of-flight detectors for particle state measurement, fiducial markers for position reference, and tomography systems for imaging. Each component performs a specific function, collectively achieving high measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Fiducial markers serve as intermediaries between the treatment system and the patient's anatomy, providing stable reference points for position determination. The time-of-flight detectors act as intermediaries to measure particle energy and position without direct physical contact, enabling precise measurements while isolating the complex measurement mechanisms from the treatment delivery system
2Measurement precision
If time-of-flight measurement system is implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The time-of-flight detectors serve multiple functions: measuring particle position, determining particle energy state, and providing timing information for treatment delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms with time-of-flight detection based on electromagnetic principles. By measuring the time particles take to traverse known distances, the system determines particle state without complex mechanical scanners or contact sensors, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving high precision
3Manufacturing precision
If fiducial markers are used for positioning, then the treatment accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Fiducial markers are implanted or positioned in advance before treatment, establishing a stable reference framework beforehand. This preliminary action simplifies the treatment delivery process by providing pre-established position references, reducing the complexity of real-time positioning systems while maintaining high treatment accuracy
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
The system enables precise and accurate imaging and treatment of tumors by determining the residual energy of charged particles and using fiducial markers for precise positioning, reducing mechanical errors and improving the accuracy of radiation delivery, thus enhancing the effectiveness of cancer therapy.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the elapsed time between detection at two time-of-flight detectors
Implementation Method 2
combines with tomography and radiation therapy systems for comprehensive imaging and treatment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for determining state of a positively charged particle, such as a proton, for use in imaging a tumor of a patient prior to and/or concurrent with cancer therapy. The imaging system comprises: (1) a beam transport path of the positively charged particle sequentially passing through a patient, through a first time of flight detector, and, after traversing a pathlength, at least into a second time of flight detector and (2) a beam state determination system using elapsed time between detection at the first and second time of flight detectors and the pathlength to determine a residual beam energy, which, when compared to a known incident beam energy, is used in generation of an image of the tumor. An optional beam energy degrading element increases time differences between the time of flight detectors.