Wearable Detector Garment for Personalized Radiopharmaceutical Dosimetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation therapy protocols, such as 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment for neuroendocrine tumors, lack personalization, leading to potential kidney damage and suboptimal treatment outcomes due to the inability to accurately track radiation doses to dose-limiting organs without costly and time-consuming SPECT-CT scans.
Innovation Solution
A customizable garment with detectors is used to monitor radiation dosages to dose-limiting organs by detecting photons emitted from radiopharmaceuticals, eliminating the need for post-administration SPECT-CT scans and allowing personalized dosimetry at reduced cost and increased accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SPECT-CT scans are used to track radiation doses to dose-limiting organs, then measurement precision of radiation dosage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dosimetry measurement function from the complex SPECT-CT imaging system and implements it using simple, wearable detectors that can be used at home. The detectors are designed to measure radiation dosage without requiring the complex SPECT-CT infrastructure, thereby maintaining measurement capability while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the dosimetry measurement function that can be performed outside the clinical environment. Instead of requiring full SPECT-CT scans, the system uses portable detectors that replicate the essential measurement capability in a much simpler, more accessible format.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SPECT-CT scans are performed for personalized dosimetry, then treatment personalization is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform self-monitoring of radiation dosage using wearable detectors at home. This eliminates the need for patients to repeatedly travel to specialized facilities for SPECT-CT scans, allowing continuous dosimetry monitoring without time loss and enabling personalized treatment adjustments based on real-time data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous dosimetry monitoring throughout the treatment course using wearable detectors, eliminating the discontinuous nature of periodic SPECT-CT scans. This continuous measurement allows for real-time treatment personalization without the time delays associated with scheduling and performing repeated imaging studies.
3Ease of operation
If standardized radiation therapy protocols are used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information about individual patient dosing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms through wearable detectors that monitor radiation dosage to dose-limiting organs in real-time. This feedback information is transmitted to the treating physician, enabling dynamic adjustment of the standardized protocol to account for individual patient responses, thereby maintaining ease of operation while capturing personalized dosing information.
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
Enables personalized dosimetry by accurately tracking radiation doses to organs, reducing the risk of overdosing or underdosing, and improving treatment outcomes by allowing patients to receive treatment at home or in facilities without SPECT-CT capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
detectors integrated within the garment to detect photons emitted by a radionuclide disposed inside of the subject
Implementation Method 2
detectors configured to be integrated with the wrap and to detect photons emitted by a radionuclide disposed inside of the subject
Implementation Method 3
one or more fiducial markers integrated with the wrap, the one or more fiducial markers including a material configured to attenuate x-rays
Data Source
AI summary
Various devices, systems, and methods for performing personalized dosimetry of a patient receiving a radiopharmaceutical are described. In an example method, anatomic data is generated by performing a computed tomography (CT) scan on the patient when they are lying down and wearing a garment. Based on the anatomic data, locations of organs of the patient are determined with respect to one or more fiducial markers integrated with the garment. Detectors for detecting photons from a radiopharmaceutical are placed on the garment based on locations of the organs. Subsequently, the patient may be administered a dose of the radiopharmaceutical. When the patient wears the garment, the detectors may detect photons released from the decaying radiopharmaceutical that is distributed in the organs. The radiation dosage to the organs may be determined based on the detected photons.