Method and apparatus for performing irradiation time optimization for intensity modulated proton therapy during treatment planning while maintaining acceptable irradiation plan quality

US10786687B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. · US
• VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS PARTICLE THERAPY GMBH & CO. KG · DE
• VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL AG · CH

Inventors

• Isabel Huth · Egerten, DE
• Christel Smith · Midland School, US
• Timo Koponen · Espoo, FI
• Perttu Niemela · Espoo, FI
• Markus Bach · Overath, DE
• Reynald Vanderstraten · Brussels, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 28, 2018
• Grant date: Sep 29, 2020
• Expiry date: Sep 28, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2005/1087
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A computer implemented method of determining a resultant treatment plan for a proton radiation therapy system based on given dose volume constraints, wherein the resultant treatment plan is optimized for treatment time comprises accessing the dose volume constraints and range information, wherein the range information indicates acceptable deviations from the dose volume constraints. Based on the proton radiation therapy system, the method further comprises accessing machine configuration information comprising a plurality of machine parameters that define a maximum resolution achievable in irradiating a patient. Further, the method comprises iteratively adjusting the plurality of machine parameters to values which decrease the maximum resolution and simulating a plurality of candidate treatment plans to generate a plurality of treatment plan results, wherein each treatment plan result comprises: a respective treatment time and a respective plan quality. Finally, the method comprises selecting a resultant treatment plan with the shortest treatment time.