Hampton University

Vahagn R Nazaryan

Cynthia Keppel

Richard A Britten

Cythnia E Keppel

The system and methods of the invention partially shields the radiation dose to the skin and/or other anatomical organs by using magnetically responsive material that blocks radiation, which may be fine grains of iron or other ferrous powder for example. The powder is typically injected into an IB applicator, along with inflating saline solution in case of MSB, when a skin spacing problem is encountered, or there is a risk of high doses being delivered to the critical organs surrounding a lumpectomy cavity, for example. A slight magnetic field of predetermined configuration will be applied externally to arrange the shielding material internally under the segment of surface of the IB applicator where the skin spacing is typically less than 7 mm, thereby protecting the skin from radiation damage. Monte Carlo studies to develop parameterizations for treatment planning with the IB applicator utilizing the suggested shielding material is also provided.

Accelerated partial breast irradiation with shielded brachytherapy applicator system and method of use

Treatment planning methods are provided that determine the variability of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) along a beam line and calculate, among other things, what intensity of hadron beam such as a proton or a carbon ion beam should be applied to achieve a desired biological dose at treatment site of a patient afflicted with a medical condition. Typically, three or four RBE values at three or four corresponding spacially-dispersed intervals along the beam line are calculated. In one embodiment, two RBE values for the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) region of the treatment site; one for the proximal section and one for the declining distal section is calculated. A third and different RBE value may be determined for the distal edge region of the SOBP. A fourth value may also be calculated for a pre-SOBP region.

Hadron treatment planning with adequate biological weighting

The system and methods of the invention partially shields the radiation dose to the skin and/or other anatomical organs by using magnetically responsive material that blocks radiation, which may be fine grains of iron or other ferrous powder for example. The powder is typically injected into an IB applicator, along with inflating saline solution in case of MSB, when a skin spacing problem is encountered, or there is a risk of high doses being delivered to the critical organs surrounding a lumpectomy cavity, for example. A slight magnetic field of predetermined configuration will be applied externally to arrange the shielding material internally under the segment of surface of the IB applicator where the skin spacing is typically less then 7 mm, thereby protecting the skin from radiation damage. Monte Carlo studies to develop parameterizations for treatment planning with the IB applicator utilizing the suggested shielding material is also provided. In one aspect, the improvement to the IB system allows better cosmetic outcome in breast conserving therapy, and should allow more women to take advantage of BCT.

Growing community of inventors

Newport News, VA, United States of America

Vahagn R Nazaryan