X-ray generation source aligned with proton beam path
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Solution Overview
Problem
In particle beam therapy for cancerous tumors, there is a need for precise patient positioning and verification immediately prior to and during treatment to ensure targeted energy delivery while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
A charged particle cancer therapy X-ray method and apparatus that uses an X-ray beam aligned with the particle beam path to collect images of the tumor area, allowing for real-time alignment and verification of the particle beam to accurately target the tumor, with an X-ray generation source located proximate to the particle beam path to minimize setup time and maximize precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional electromagnetic X-ray therapy is used, then cancer treatment can be performed, but the highest dose of radiation is delivered near the surface of the targeted tissue with exponentially less radiation delivered as they penetrate into the tissue, resulting in large amounts of radiation being delivered outside of the tumor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (scattering material or water phantom) between the X-ray source and the patient to modify the radiation beam characteristics. This intermediary allows for better control of radiation penetration depth and distribution, enabling more precise delivery of radiation doses to the tumor while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues through techniques like bolus placement or water phantom methods
2Manufacturing precision
If proton therapy is used, then targeted energy delivery to the tumor can be achieved with minimal damage to surrounding tissue, but precise patient positioning and verification immediately prior to and during treatment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning and verification functions into an integrated system that combines imaging capabilities (such as X-ray or CT imaging) with the proton therapy delivery system. This integration allows for real-time or near-real-time verification of patient positioning and tumor location without requiring separate, complex positioning systems, thereby maintaining high energy delivery precision while managing system complexity through functional consolidation
3Loss of time
If an X-ray generation source is located proximate to the particle beam path, then setup time is minimized and precision is maximized, but the X-ray source must be precisely positioned relative to the particle beam path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning and pre-aligning the X-ray generation source relative to the particle beam path during system setup. Calibration procedures and alignment fixtures are used to establish the correct geometric relationship between the X-ray source and particle beam path before actual therapy sessions. This preliminary alignment minimizes setup time during treatment while maintaining the required positioning precision through established reference frames and alignment markers
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 precise and efficient targeting of tumors with reduced exposure of healthy tissue to radiation, improving the accuracy and efficiency of particle beam therapy by allowing for immediate alignment and verification of the particle beam relative to the tumor.
Implementation Method 1
generating an X-ray beam
Implementation Method 2
collect images of a tumor area
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an X-ray method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The system uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The system creates an electron beam that strikes an X-ray generation source where the X-ray generation source is located proximate to the proton beam path. By generating the X-rays near the proton beam path, an X-ray path that is essentially the proton beam path is created. Using the generated X-rays, the system collects X-ray images of a localized body tissue region about a cancerous tumor. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the proton beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.