INTRA-FRACTION MOTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

The present invention relates to the field of radiation therapy. In particular, the invention concerns systems and methods for monitoring intra-fraction motions of patients in connection with treatment cancer in radiation therapy system. A patient marker is attached on the nose of the patient and images of the patient marker and reference markers is captured at predetermined time intervals. The reference markers are arranged in defined positions relative to a patient fixation arrangement for fixation of the patient during treatment. A position of the patient marker relative the reference markers is determined based on images captured by an optical tracking system, wherein changes in the position provide information if the patient or a part of the patient has moved.

主权项

1. A method for monitoring intra-fraction motions of a patient in connection with treatment of treatment volumes such as cancer tumors of said patient in a radiation therapy system, which radiation therapy system comprises an external beam radiation therapy unit having a defined therapy target volume and a patient positioning unit for positioning a treatment volume in a patient in relation to said target volume in the radiation therapy unit, said method comprising:
attaching at least one patient marker on the nose of the patient; capturing images of the patient marker and at least two reference markers at certain time intervals, wherein said at least two reference markers are arranged in pre-defined positions relative to a patient fixation arrangement for fixation of said patient during treatment; and determining a position of the patient marker relative to a coordinate system determined by the at least two reference markers based on images captured by an optical tracking system, wherein changes in said position from an initial starting position indicate if the patient or a part of said patient has moved.