Proton scattering analysis system
Inventors
Schulte, Reinhard W. • Bashkirov, Vladimir A.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9084887-B2
Publication Date
2015-07-21
Expiration Date
2030-02-05
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Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods for characterizing interactions or proton beams in tissues. In certain embodiments, charged particles emitted during passage of protons, such as those used for therapeutic and/or imaging purposes, can be detected at relatively large angles. In situations where beam intensity is relatively low, such as in certain imaging applications, characterization of the proton beam with charged particles can provide sufficient statistics for meaningful results while avoiding the beam itself. In situations where beam intensity is relatively high, such as in certain therapeutic applications, characterization of the proton beam with scattered primary protons and secondary protons can provide information such as differences in densities encountered by the beam as it traverses the tissue and dose deposited along the beam path. In certain situations, such beam characterizations can facilitate more accurate planning and monitoring of proton-based therapy.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed relates to systems and methods for characterizing interactions of proton beams with tissues, used for therapeutic and imaging purposes. It uses charged particle detectors positioned outside the beam path at angles ranging approximately from 20 to 90 degrees relative to the beam axis to detect charged particles resulting from proton interactions within the tissue volume. Detection and track reconstruction of these charged particles provide data allowing estimation of interaction locations within the tissue.
The invention addresses the problem of uncertainty in proton therapy dose calculation and beam range accuracy caused by inaccuracies in traditional imaging methods such as X-ray or CT, which rely on electron density distributions. These inaccuracies can lead to errors in treatment planning and delivery. By detecting scattered primary protons and secondary protons at large angles relative to the beam axis, and reconstructing their tracks, the system can provide information on differences in tissue densities along the beam path and on dose deposited, improving accuracy of proton therapy planning and monitoring.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims covering different aspects of proton beam therapy and imaging systems, focusing on detection of charged particles scattered from tissue at specific angles, configuration of detectors, and processing of data for therapy planning and monitoring.
Charged particle detection at large angles relative to proton beam axis
A charged particle detector is disposed outside the beam axis and configured to detect charged particles scattered from a volume of tissue at an angle within approximately 20 to 90 degrees relative to the proton beam axis, facilitating track reconstruction and estimation of interaction locations.
Proton based imaging and therapy system with configurable detector positions
A proton therapy and imaging system comprising a proton source, patient support, and a charged particle detector mounted to be positioned either downstream along the beam axis for imaging mode or at an angle between approximately 20 to 90 degrees relative to the beam axis for therapy mode, with a control system to adjust detector positioning and beam delivery accordingly.
Proton therapy system with sensors proximal to target region measuring proton impact location and energy
A proton therapy system including sensors arranged near the target region to measure at least one of the impact location or impact energy of incident protons, along with a processor calculating deflection amounts and energy loss to provide indications of electron density or atomic number within the target region.
Method for planning proton therapy based on detection of primary and secondary protons at large angles
A method comprising positioning a patient for exposure to a proton beam, delivering proton spills, detecting primary and secondary protons at angles between approximately 20 to 90 degrees using a particle detector, determining a beam profile indicative of densities along the beam path, and adjusting the beam configuration based on the determined profile.
The independent claims define inventive features involving charged particle detection at specified angular ranges relative to the proton beam, detector positioning for imaging and therapy modes, sensors measuring proton deflections and energies near the target region, and methods utilizing scattering information for improved planning and monitoring of proton therapy.
Stated Advantages
Improved ability to monitor and analyze the interactions between an incident proton beam and target tissue, including the spatial location of the proton beam.
Provides measured confirmation of the actual proton beam path independent of predictive measures, leading to more accurate treatment planning and delivery.
Improved estimation of dose deposited and relative stopping power within tissue, enabling better discrimination of tissue boundaries and disease conditions.
Ability to detect charged particles at large angles allows for flexible detector positioning and use in both low intensity imaging beams and high intensity therapeutic beams.
Documented Applications
Planning and monitoring of proton beam therapy by characterizing proton interactions with patient tissue.
Proton-based imaging, including proton computed tomography (pCT), facilitating improved diagnosis and therapy accuracy.
Use in proton therapy systems capable of switching between imaging mode (detector positioned downstream along beam axis) and therapy mode (detector positioned at large angles).
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