TTFields Transducer Placement Using Molecular Imaging Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying tumor treating fields (TTFields) lack the ability to assess early on whether a tumor is responding to therapy, necessitating a need for improved methods to determine transducer placement and adjust TTFields distribution based on molecular indicators of tumor response.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing molecular imaging, such as [18F]DASA-23, to detect pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) expression and aligning this data with imaging data to calibrate transducer placement, adjusting TTFields distribution for optimal coverage and effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional transducer placement methods are used, then the treatment can be applied, but the ability to assess early tumor response is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where molecular imaging data (detecting PKM2 expression) is used to assess tumor response to TTFields therapy, and this assessment feeds back into adjusting transducer placement and TTFields distribution to optimize treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/transducer-based assessment methods with molecular imaging technology that detects biochemical markers (PKM2 expression) to evaluate tumor response, enabling earlier and more precise assessment without relying solely on anatomical imaging
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution imaging is used to evaluate TTFields efficacy, then accurate assessment is achieved, but the need for expensive high-resolution imaging is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive high-resolution anatomical imaging with molecular imaging that detects PKM2 expression levels, providing functional information about tumor response to therapy rather than just structural changes, thereby reducing reliance on resource-intensive imaging modalities
3Reliability
If iterative adjustments based on molecular imaging feedback are implemented, then TTFields coverage is improved, but the treatment protocol becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a closed-loop feedback system where molecular imaging results guide iterative adjustments of transducer placement and TTFields distribution parameters, with each cycle of treatment-assessment-adjustment bringing the therapy closer to optimal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability into the treatment protocol, allowing transducer placement and TTFields distribution to be adjusted based on real-time molecular imaging feedback, transforming a static treatment plan into a dynamic, responsive therapy that adapts to tumor response
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
Enhances the evaluation of TTFields efficacy by reducing the need for high-resolution imaging and improving TTFields coverage through iterative adjustments based on molecular imaging feedback, ensuring effective tumor treatment.
Implementation Method 1
TTFields are induced non-invasively into the region of interest by transducers placed on the patient's body and applying AC voltages between the transducers
Implementation Method 2
PKM2 expression in a tumor can be detected via molecular imaging, e.g., using [18F]DASA-23 as an imaging agent (e.g., radiotracer)
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method to determine placement of transducers on a subject's body for applying tumor treating fields, the method including: determining a pair of locations on the subject's body for placement of a pair of transducer arrays based on image data; receiving a detected concentration of a target molecule within a target region of the subject's body from a molecular imaging apparatus, the concentration of the target molecule being detected after tumor treating fields are induced between the pair of transducer arrays; determining, based on the detected concentration of the target molecule, how the tumor treating fields were distributed in the target region; determining a recommendation of a second pair of locations on the subject's body for placement of the pair of transducer arrays based on the distribution of the tumor treating fields in the target region; and outputting the recommendation of the second pair of locations to a user.