X-ray Tomography for Charged Particle Cancer Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cancer treatment methods using X-rays and gamma rays are inefficient as they deposit radiation unevenly within tissues, leading to excessive radiation delivery outside the tumor, while proton therapy systems face challenges in precise targeting and tissue damage minimization.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray tomography system is integrated with a charged particle cancer therapy system, utilizing a synchrotron with advanced magnetic field control and proton beam extraction methods to achieve precise targeting and reduced tissue damage, enabling efficient delivery of protons to tumors while minimizing radiation to surrounding healthy tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If X-ray or gamma ray therapy is used to treat cancer, then the tumor can be irradiated, but the radiation is deposited unevenly within tissues with excessive radiation delivery outside the tumor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of radiation delivery by switching from electromagnetic radiation (X-rays/gamma rays) to charged particle radiation (protons). This parameter change enables precise control over radiation deposition depth through the Bragg peak effect, allowing the maximum radiation dose to be delivered at the tumor depth while minimizing radiation outside the tumor volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic radiation mechanism with a charged particle beam mechanism. The proton beam is guided through magnetic fields and focused using electromagnetic lenses, substituting the passive electromagnetic radiation field with an active, controllable particle beam that can be precisely directed and stopped at the tumor location.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If proton therapy is used to deliver radiation to tumors, then tissue damage can be minimized, but precise targeting and beam control remain challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through image guidance systems and real-time monitoring to adjust proton beam parameters during treatment. The system uses imaging feedback to verify tumor position and beam delivery accuracy, enabling dynamic adjustments to maintain precise targeting despite patient movement or anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the proton therapy system, including imaging capabilities, beam monitoring, and real-time adjustment, all within a single unified system. This multi-functionality enables the system to perform both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic radiation delivery with coordinated precision control.
3Measurement precision
If an integrated X-ray tomography and charged particle therapy system is implemented, then imaging and treatment precision are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the X-ray tomography imaging system with the charged particle therapy system into a single integrated platform. The imaging and therapy components share common infrastructure including patient positioning systems, control computers, and spatial coordination mechanisms, enabling seamless transition between imaging and treatment modes while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate systems.
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 allows for accurate and precise imaging and treatment of tumors, ensuring optimal proton beam delivery and reduced tissue damage, enhancing the effectiveness of cancer therapy by focusing the radiation dose directly on the tumor with minimal dispersion.
Implementation Method 1
charged particle cancer therapy beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting methods
Implementation Method 2
advanced magnetic field control and proton beam extraction methods
Implementation Method 3
X-ray tomography system is integrated with a charged particle cancer therapy system
Implementation Method 4
These particles damage the DNA of cells, ultimately causing their death
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. In various embodiments, 3-D images are generated from a series of 2-D X-rays images; the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates; the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system; and the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays. The X-ray tomography system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to both move and constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems. The X-ray images are optionally used in control of a charged particle cancer therapy system.