Method to select radiation dosage for tumor treatment based on cellular imaging
Inventors
Kondziolka, Douglas • SHEPHERD, Timothy
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12324931-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-10
Expiration Date
2035-10-19
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Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for radiation treatment of tumors based at least in part on patient-specific imaging information. The methods, systems and apparatuses include computer programs encoded on computer-readable media. The methods include acquiring imaging information relating to a target to be treated. The imaging information is non-anatomic imaging information relating to the target acquired from at least one imaging marker that reflects at least one of the metabolic, physiological and histological features of the target. The methods further include computing a radiation dose based at least on the imaging information.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods, systems, and apparatuses for radiation treatment of tumors based at least in part on patient-specific imaging information. Instead of relying solely on general clinical experience, tumor type, anatomical imaging, or data from prior biopsies, the approach uses non-anatomic imaging information, such as metabolic or cellular imaging markers, to determine features like metabolic, physiological, and histological characteristics of individual tumors. This personalized imaging data is acquired through imaging modalities such as diffusion weighted MRI or PET scans, providing information such as cellular density or tissue perfusion.
The underlying problem addressed is that the current standard of care primarily utilizes anatomical imaging and general clinical guidelines to determine radiation doses, which does not consider the specific metabolic or histological traits of the patient’s tumor. Available imaging approaches like MRI and CT are typically used only for anatomic localization, while metabolic or cellular characteristics revealed by imaging have not been integrated into determining personalized radiation doses. Biopsy remains necessary for deeper histological information, introducing invasiveness and limitations in accurately tailoring therapy.
According to the disclosed invention, a computer-based method or apparatus acquires and analyzes imaging markers reflecting internal tumor features, such as cellularity and extracellular matrix, and then computes a radiation dose based on these patient-specific features. This approach allows the radiation dose to be individualized for each tumor or even for regions within tumors, utilizing real-time or recent imaging markers like ADC from diffusion weighted MRI. Systems may also integrate clinical outcome data, anatomical information, and various quantitative imaging parameters for more thorough and adaptive radiation treatment planning.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims providing the core inventive features: a method for treating a target via radiation based on imaging markers and an apparatus for providing such treatment through a computer system.
Method of radiation treatment based on internal tumor imaging markers
A method comprising: - Acquiring imaging information from at least one imaging marker that reflects internal tumor features such as cellular characteristics, extracellular matrix, cellular density, organization, vascularity, or tissue perfusion. - Computing, using a computer processor, a radiation dose based on this imaging information. - Delivering the radiation dose based on the imaging information to the target in the treatment subject. The imaging information is based on internal tumor features accessible by imaging.
Apparatus for radiation dosage determination and delivery using imaging markers
An apparatus comprising: - A computer system configured to communicate with an imaging system from which imaging information of a target is acquired, focusing on imaging markers representing features such as cellular characteristics, extracellular matrix, cellular density, organization, vascularity, or tissue perfusion. - Non-transitory memory storing instructions that cause a processor to (1) analyze the imaging information acquired from the imaging system, (2) compute a radiation dose based on the imaging information, and (3) cause a radiation delivery mechanism to deliver the radiation dose to the target. - The imaging information is based on internal tumor features accessible by imaging.
The inventive features claim both a method and apparatus for determining and delivering radiation doses based on detailed imaging markers reflecting internal features of tumors, enabling individualized treatment based on patient-specific cellular, metabolic, or physiological characteristics.
Stated Advantages
Enables individualized radiation dose selection based on patient-specific metabolic, physiological, or histological features rather than relying solely on general clinical data or anatomical imaging.
Allows radiation planning and delivery to be specifically tailored to each tumor or heterogeneous regions within tumors, improving treatment personalization.
Incorporates additional imaging information that more closely correlates to the biology of each patient’s tumor, potentially improving treatment efficacy.
Reduces reliance on invasive tissue biopsies for acquiring histological information by utilizing imaging markers to assess tumor features.
Documented Applications
Radiation treatment planning and delivery for tumors using imaging markers reflecting cellular or metabolic features from modalities such as MRI or PET.
Adaptation of radiation dosing for individual tumors and even subregions within tumors in patients with metastatic cancer.
Evaluation and tracking of tumor response before and after treatments such as stereotactic radiosurgery through advanced imaging techniques, including GRASP MRI.
Use in treatment planning for tumors located throughout the body, not limited to intracranial or metastatic tumors.
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