U.S. patent application number 11/532021 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for method and apparatus including use of metalloporphyrins for subsequent optimization of radiosurgery and radiotherapy.
Invention is credited to Edwin L. Adair.
Application Number | 20070043289 11/532021 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29717841 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070043289 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adair; Edwin L. |
February 22, 2007 |
Method and Apparatus Including Use of Metalloporphyrins for
Subsequent Optimization of Radiosurgery and Radiotherapy
Abstract
An apparatus and method for subsequent optimization of
radiosurgery and radiotherapy is provided. The invention includes
administering a metalloporphyrin to the patient, and then creating
a 3-dimensional mapping of tissue through use of PET or SPECT.
Malignant and pre-malignant tissue has an affinity for the
metalloporphyrin. During treatment, real-time images are also
provided which are compared to the previous 3-dimensional mapping.
Creation of the real-time images is also achieved through PET or
SPECT wherein a metalloporphyrin is administered to the patient.
Total administration of radiation is calculated by summing
radiation from the inetalloporphyrins and from the
radiosurgery/radiotherapy. The amount of radiation delivered by the
metalloporphyrins and by the radiosurgery/radiotherapy are
adjustable based on a patient's response to the dual delivery.
Inventors: |
Adair; Edwin L.; (Castle
Pines Village, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY
SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Family ID: |
29717841 |
Appl. No.: |
11/532021 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10836454 |
Apr 30, 2004 |
7110808 |
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11532021 |
Sep 14, 2006 |
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10176558 |
Jun 21, 2002 |
6750037 |
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10836454 |
Apr 30, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/431 ;
250/363.03; 378/65; 540/145; 600/436 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 5/1049 20130101;
A61N 2005/1061 20130101; G01N 33/5091 20130101; A61K 51/0485
20130101; G01N 33/574 20130101; A61B 6/12 20130101; H04N 5/2253
20130101; A61N 5/1067 20130101; A61K 49/0036 20130101; Y10S 435/968
20130101; H04N 2005/2255 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/431 ;
600/436; 250/363.03; 378/065; 540/145 |
International
Class: |
A61B 6/00 20060101
A61B006/00; A61N 5/10 20060101 A61N005/10; C07D 487/22 20060101
C07D487/22; G01T 1/164 20060101 G01T001/164 |
Claims
1-7. (canceled)
8. An apparatus for carrying out radiosurgery by selectively
irradiating a targeted area of tissue within a patient, and by
providing a selected dose of radiation through administration of an
irradiating compound in conjunction with the radiosurgery,
comprising: a computer including data storage memory having stored
therein a 3-dimensional mapping of at least a portion of the
patient, the mapping covering a mapping region that is larger than
a target region; a beaming apparatus adapted to emit a
radiosurgical beam of radiation sufficient to cause the target
region to become necrotic; means for providing digital electronic
images of the target region during activation of said radiosurgical
beam, said means for providing including PET or SPECT which
produces said images based on a metalloporphyrin previously
administered to the patient; means for comparing the 3-dimensional
mapping with real-time images taken during activation of said
radiosurgical beam; and means for adjusting the relative position
of the beaming apparatus and the patient as needed due to any
movement of the target region relative to the radiosurgical beam in
response to the comparison of the 3-dimensional mapping and image
data taken during activation thereby ensuring that the
radiosurgical beam is continuously focused onto the target
region.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the 3-dimensional
mapping is achieved by PET or SPECT scanning.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein: said irradiating
compound administered to the patient is meso-tetra
(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphine complexed with a radiometal imageable
by SPECT or PET imaging selected from the group consisting of
manganese and iron.
11. An apparatus for carrying out radiosurgery by selectively
irradiating a targeted area of tissue within a patient, and by
providing a selected dose of radiation through administration of an
irradiating compound in conjunction with the radiosurgery,
comprising: a computer including data storage memory having stored
therein a 3-dimensional mapping of at least a portion of the
patient, the mapping covering a mapping region that is larger than
a target region and achieved by PET or SPECT scanning; a beaming
apparatus adapted to emit a radiosurgical beam of radiation
sufficient to cause the target region to become necrotic; means for
providing digital electronic images of the target region during
activation of said radiosurgical beam, said means for providing
including PET or SPECT which produces said images based on a
radio-imageable form of Mn (III) meso-tetra (4-sulfonatophenyl)
porphine previously administered to the patient; means for
comparing the 3-dimensional mapping with real-time images taken
during activation of said radiosurgical beam; and means for
adjusting the relative position of the beaming apparatus and the
patient as needed due to any movement of the target region relative
to the radiosurgical beam in response to the comparison of the
3-dimensional mapping and image data taken during activation
thereby ensuring that the radiosurgical beam is continuously
focused onto the target region.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-application
Ser. No. 10/176,558, filed on Jun. 21, 2002, entitled "METHOD OF
CANCER SCREENING PRIMARILY UTILIZING NON-INVASIVE CELL COLLECTION,
FLUORESCENCE DETECTION TECHNIQUES, AND RADIO TRACING DETECTION
TECHNIQUES", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to cancer screening and cancer
treatment, and more particularly, to the use of metalloporphyrins
for subsequent optimization of radiosurgery and/or
radiotherapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are a number of prior art methods and apparatuses
which are used in the detection and treatment of cancer.
Fluorescent markers have been used to help identify cancerous
tissue within a patient. Radio tracers or markers have also been
used in the detection and treatment of cancer.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,547 discloses a method of using
porphyrins to detect lung cancer, and more particularly, to the use
of tetra-aryl porphyrins. The porphyrins are used as a fluorescent
tracer for cancers of the lung. The porphyrins may be complexed
with Copper 64 (.sup.64Cu) or Copper 67 (.sup.67Cu). Thus, the
complex can be used as radio tracers as well. The .sup.67Cu
provides a source of beta radiation for selective destruction of
lung malignancies as well as gamma radiation useful for image
analysis, as by single photon emission computer tomography. The
.sup.64Cu may be used for radio tracing wherein a positron emission
tomography technique can be used to locate the malignant
tissue.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,636 to Jamieson, et al. discloses a
method to identify and destroy malignant cells in mononuclear cell
populations. This method includes the steps of contacting a
composition of bone marrow cells or other cells with a green
porphyrin of a specific compound, irradiating the cell composition
with light at a wave length effective to excite fluorescence of the
green porphyrin, and then detecting the presence or absence of
fluorescence indicating malignancy. This reference also discloses
the steps by which the bone marrow cells are removed, separated,
washed and diluted to an appropriate concentration for treatment,
incubated, centrifuged, and exposed to the irradiating light.
[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,308,608 and 5,149,708 to Dolphin, et al.
disclose specific types of porphyrin compounds which may be used
for detection, photosensitization, or the destruction of a targeted
biological material when the targeted tissue is contacted with the
specified porphyrin, and irradiated with light that excites the
compound.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,938 to Kennedy, et al. discloses a
method of detection of malignant and non-malignant lesions by photo
chemotherapy of protoporphyrin IX precursors. 5-amino levulinic
acid (5-ALA) is administered to the patient in an amount sufficient
to induce synthesis of protoporphyrin IX in the lesions, followed
by exposure of the treated lesion to a photo activating light in
the range of 350-640 nanometers. Naturally-occurring protoporphyrin
IX is activatable by light which is in the incident red light range
(600-700 nanometers) which more easily passes through human tissue
as compared to light of other wave lengths which must be used with
other types of porphyrins. In short, the use of 5-ALA makes cell
fluorescence easier to observe, and also greatly reduces the danger
of accidental phototoxic skin reactions in the days following
treatment since protoporphyrin IX precursors have a much shorter
half life in normal tissues than other popularly used
porphyrins.
[0008] Present methods relating to cancer screening using
fluorescence detection systems require the use of interventional
devices such as endoscopes which have the special capability of
delivering specified light frequencies to a targeted tissue of a
patient. These endoscopes illuminate the targeted part of the body
in which cancer is suspected. The light delivered at a specified
frequency illuminates an area which has previously been subjected
to some type of fluorescent marker, such as a porphyrin which
causes malignant cells to illuminate or fluoresce under observation
of light at the specified frequency. In all cases, introduction of
an endoscope into the body requires some type of sedation or
general or local anesthesia. Once a tumor has been located by use
of the interventional device, depending upon the type of tumor,
photo chemotherapy or other treatment means can be used. However,
prior to actual treatment, there must be a confirmed test of
cancer. Accordingly, the tumor still needs to be sampled by an
appropriate biopsy method. Generally, biopsy methods also require
some type of sedation or anesthesia. Thus, traditional methods of
confirming a malignancy may require at least two interventional
surgical procedures.
[0009] In all uses of photodynamic therapy, it is well known that
there are limitations in such therapy because of the poor
penetration of the visible light required to activate the
administered porophyrin so as to render it toxic to the targeted
tissue. Particularly for tumors which are found deep within the
body of a patient, repeated interventional procedures to treat the
neoplastic tissue become infeasible. Accordingly, many types of
diseased tissue cannot be effectively treated through photodynamic
therapy.
[0010] Stereotaxic radio surgery is a well known procedure to treat
tumorous tissue. This type of radio surgery is particularly well
known for treating brain tumors. Advances in technology for
delivering a collimated surgical ionizing beam now allows medical
personnel to treat patients with cancerous tissue throughout the
body.
[0011] One company that provides a stereotaxic radio surgery system
is Accuray of Boulder, Colo. One system developed by Accuray
includes the Cyberknife.TM. system that incorporates a linear
accelerator mounted on a robotic arm thereby providing a surgeon
with great flexibility in delivering a collimated beam to a
targeted area. The Cyberknife has been used to radiosurgically
treat many tumors and other malformations at body sites which are
unreachable by other stereotaxic systems.
[0012] Accuracy is the owner of two U.S. patents which claim
devices and methods of carrying out stereotaxic radio surgery and
radio therapy. U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,223 discloses a method and
apparatus for selectively irradiating a target within a patient. A
3-dimensional mapping is provided of a region surrounding the
target. A beaming apparatus emits a collimated beam. Diagnostic
beams at a known non-zero angle to one another pass through the
mapping region. Images of projections are produced within the
mapping region. Electronic representations of the images are
compared with reference data from the 3-dimensional mapping thereby
locating the target. The relative positions of the beaming
apparatus and the living organism are adjusted in such a manner
that the collimated beam is focused on the target region despite
any movement by the patient during treatment. A comparison is
repeated at small time intervals and, when the comparison so
indicates, adjustment is repeated, as needed, and in such a manner
that the collimated beam remains focused on the target region.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,097 owned by Accuracy discloses another
apparatus and method of performing stereotaxic surgery. A robotic
arm and beam generating arrangement are provided along a
predetermined, non-circular and non-linear path transverse to a
collimated beam path, while at the same time, the collimated beam
path is directed into the target region. Thus, the
radiosurgical/radiotheraputic beam can be directed through the
target region from particular treatment points along the transverse
path so as to define a non-spherical target region, thereby
allowing treatment of irregularly shaped tumors or
malformations.
[0014] One important objective of the inventions disclosed in these
references owed by Accuracy is to improve the ability to deliver a
radiological beam which can be precisely targeted for irradiating
targeted tissue, yet limiting exposure of healthy tissue. With the
inventions disclosed in the two references, it is possible to
perform multiple fraction radiological treatment thereby improving
the ability to target and localize cancerous or malformed
tissue.
[0015] While the two references discussed immediately above
represent advances in stereotaxic radiosurgery and radiotherapy,
these systems can be further enhanced by improving the ability to
not only map targeted tissue, but also to image the tissue during
the radio surgery/radio therapy procedure thereby ensuring that the
radiological beam is precisely aligned with the targeted tissue. In
the above references, 3-dimensional mapping is obtained by a CAT
scan (CT) or by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As is well known,
computerized tomography operates through measurement of the
differential absorption of x-ray beams, and the resulting images
are in the form of data which is mathematically manipulated through
Fourier transform. MRI utilizes nuclear magnetic resonance
properties of tissue to obtain 3-dimensional mapping. CT scanners
and MRI scanners are available commercially, and the data obtained
by the scanning can be placed in a digitized format whereby it can
be stored and manipulated through software in a computer. Although
an MRI or CT scan may be adequate under many circumstances, the
disadvantages of CT scanning or MRI scanning is that these types of
scans image the physical structure of tissue, and do not provide
information regarding the body's chemistry, or cell function.
[0016] More recent imaging technologies include positron emission
tomography (PET). A PET scan differs from the CT or MRI scan in
that the PET scan analyzes cell function, which in many instances
provides a better method by which to determine whether tissue is
cancerous. PET typically involves the administration of a
radioactive form of glucose, and then the PET scanner tracks and
records signals which are emitted by the administered compound.
Actively growing cancer cells typically have much higher metabolic
rates than normal cells; therefore, the radioactive glucose is
metabolized more quickly by these cancerous tissues, thereby
creating distinct signals which can be recorded by the PET scanner.
A computer then reconstructs the recorded signals into
3-dimensional digital images that show areas throughout the body
where diseases are present. In addition to PET, a related imaging
technology includes single photon emission computer tomography
(SPECT) which is also a computerized imaging technique that
produces 3-dimensional images of tissue function. As with PET
scanning, a small amount of a radioactive isotope is administered
to a patient, and any increased metabolic activity present at
various body locations can be identified and reviewed to determine
whether a patient has diseased or cancerous tissue.
[0017] One class of chemicals useful for the treatment of tumors is
the porphyrins and particularly hematoporphyrin derivatives. These
chemicals have been studied as a result of their selective
localization and uptake into tumors and malignant tissue and their
sensitization of tumor tissues to photoirradiation. It has also
been suggested that these chemicals could function as delivery
vehicles to target other anticancer compounds to tumor tissues due
to their selective uptake into tumor tissues. For example,
porphyrin molecules may chelate one of many different metal atoms
which are then localized to tumor tissues. These metal atoms can be
radioactive isotopes which then irradiate the surrounding tumor
tissue after localization to the tumor within a metalloporphyrin.
Additionally, the radioactivity emitted can be used in PET or SPECT
scanning to create an image of the tumor tissue. However, even
without a radioactive component, the metalloporphyrins are still
effective in selectively delivering a metal atom to tumor tissues.
The metal can then act as a contrast agent to enhance magnetic
resonance imaging or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Because
the localization of the metalloporphyrins is based on the chemical
properties of the porphyrins themselves and their interaction with
characteristics of tumor cells including large interstitial space,
high capillary permeability and lack of lymphatic drainage, and not
on differences in metabolic activities in tissues, they are more
selectively taken up and retained by malignant cells than are
radioactive glucose molecules. For this reason, the
metalloporphyrins are also better contrast agents for use with the
different tumor imaging techniques than are radioactive glucose
molecules.
[0018] One reference that discloses the use of metalloporphyrins as
imageable tumor targeting agents for radiation therapy is U.S. Pat.
No. 6,566,517. This reference specifically discloses halogenated
derivatives of boronated porphyrins containing multiple carborane
cages which selectively accumulate in neoplastic tissue, and thus
can be used in cancer therapies including boron neutron capture
therapy and photodynamic therapy. Although this reference generally
discusses the uses of metalloporphyrins for radiation therapy,
there is no disclosure of particular procedures by which targeted
tissue can be mapped, nor is there disclosure of other methods by
which cancer screening or treatment therapy can be conducted other
than by boron neutron capture or photodynamic therapy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention provides a method and apparatus
including use of metalloporphyrins for subsequent optimization of
radio surgery and radio therapy.
[0020] The present invention may make use of porphyrin compounds
complexed with various metals such as silver (Ag), aluminum (Al),
cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe),
gadolinium (Gd), indium (In), lutetium (Lu), magnesium (Mg),
manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), rhodium
(Rh), ruthenium (Ru), scandium (Sc), silicon (Si), tin (Sn),
titanium oxide (TiO), vanadium oxide (VO), ytterbium (Yb) and zinc
(Zn). These complexes are generally categorized as
metalloporphyrins meaning a porphyrin moiety having a chelated
radioactive isotope of a metal atom. These metalloporphyrins are
further processed so that the metal is in the form of a radioactive
isotope. The resulting radioactive metalloporphyrins thereby
constitute radiopharmaceuticals that can be intravenously
introduced to the patient. The affinity of neoplastic tissue for
porphyrins results in selective uptake of the radioactive
metalloporphyrin, thereby effecting targeted delivery of
therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. For example, in the instance of
elemental copper chelated by the porphyrin, the copper can be
transformed to radioactive .sup.67Cu. In this way, introduction of
the metalloporphyrin radiopharmacuetical to the patient is an
effective means to deliver measured radiation therapy to targeted
tissue. More specifically, .sup.67Cu provides a source of beta
radiation for selective destruction of neoplastic sites.
Additionally, metalloporphyrin complexes still provide the ability
to simultaneously conduct fluorescence detection and phototherapy
if desired. Also, the metalloporphyrins provide the ability for
observation of the targeted areas through PET (for example, through
the use of .sup.64Cu) or SPECT (for example, through use the of
.sup.67Cu).
[0021] A selected group of porphyrin compounds complexed with
various metals are specifically contemplated in the present
invention because these metalloporphyrins are particularly
effective in tumor tissue imaging. The synthetic water soluble
porphyrins which contain hydrophilic groups peripheral to the
porphyrin ring facilitate oral administration and avoid the use of
additional solubilizing agents. Fe (III) and Mn (III) meso-tetra
(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphine (TPPS.sub.4) are water soluble
metalloporphyrins that show an increased affinity for solid tumor
cells. This affinity is higher than would be expected for the
metalloporphyrins as a general class of compounds. Without
intending to be bound by any one theory, it is believed that this
increased affinity for solid tumors results from the large size of
these metalloporphyrins favoring their retention in the high
capacity interstitial space of tumors. Additional factors believed
to influence the selective accumulation of the metalloporphyrins in
tumors includes charge on the peripheral substituents on the
porphyrin ring at physiological pH as well as the plasma binding
characteristics of the specific metalloporphyrin. Additionally, Fe
(III) and Mn (III) TPPS.sub.4 are very stable compounds making them
easier to produce, ship and handle either in their non-radioactive
form or having radioactive isotopes of iron or manganese atoms.
Iron is known to have seven radioisotopes (.sup.52Fe, .sup.53Fe,
.sup.55Fe, .sup.59Fe, .sup.60Fe, .sup.61Fe, .sup.62Fe) and
manganese is known to have six radioisotopes (.sup.51Mn, .sup.52Mn,
.sup.53Mn, .sup.54Mn, .sup.55Mn, .sup.56Mn, .sup.57Mn) providing
many radioisotopes that can be used in the TPPS.sub.4 prophyrin
molecule. Each of these isotopes can be selected for the desired
characteristics in terms of half life and emission spectra that
make for the best use in producing, shipping and using the
radioisotope in the scanning procedure. For example, .sup.59Fe has
a half life about 44.5 days while .sup.62Fe has a half life of
about 68 seconds. Similarly, .sup.54Mn has a half life of 312 days
whereas .sup.57Mn has a half life of about 1.5 minutes. Thus, the
desired radioisotope of these two metal atoms can be selected
depending on the photon emission characteristics and a suitable or
desired half-life. Table I contains a list of the radioisotopes of
these two metal atoms and their half-lives. Therefore, the Fe (III)
and Mn (III) derivatives of TPPS.sub.4 having a radiometal capable
of photo emission are preferred metalloporphyrins for use in the
radiosurgery imaging techniques of the present invention.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Radioisotope Half-life .sup.52Fe 8.28 hours
.sup.53Fe 8.51 minutes .sup.55Fe 2.73 years .sup.59Fe 44.51 days
.sup.60Fe 1.5 million years .sup.61Fe 6 minutes .sup.62Fe 68
seconds .sup.51Mn 46.2 minutes .sup.52Mn 5.59 days .sup.53Mn 3.7
million years .sup.54Mn 312.2 days .sup.56Mn 2.58 hours .sup.57Mn
1.45 minutes
[0022] In accordance with the present invention, the desired
metalloporphyrin may be administered directly to the patient
orally, topically, or intravenously. Depending upon the compound
introduced, a particular waiting period is necessary for uptake of
the porphyrin compound. After sufficient time has been provided for
a reaction between the compound and the targeted cells, a cancer
screening procedure may take place wherein the patient is subject
to an initial PET or SPECT procedure, and either a particular
location may be imaged, or the entire body may be imaged, for
example, to determine the extent to which a tumor has metastasized.
After conducting the initial imaging procedure, 3-dimensional
images of targeted body locations are created through mapping and
the images are stored in a computer.
[0023] Based upon the results of the initial scanning procedure,
subsequent radiosurgery/radiotherapy may take place. In the
preferred embodiment, the particular stereotaxic radiosurgery
procedure that is contemplated is the same as that disclosed in the
above-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,207,223 and 5,427,097, these
references being incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties. The present invention differs from the procedures
disclosed in these prior art references by the method in which
tissue is imaged. Instead of a CAT scan or MRI scan, 3-dimensional
mapping is achieved by PET or SPECT scanning.
[0024] After mapping has been achieved, a beaming apparatus is
provided to generate a collimated surgical ionizing beam of a
sufficient strength to cause a targeted region to become necrotic.
A preferred beaming apparatus includes an x-ray linear accelerator,
although other ionizing radiation sources can be used. Means are
provided which allow the collimated beam to be precisely aligned
with the targeted area through a comparison of imaging data which
takes place in real-time during treatment and the previously mapped
images. The imaging which takes place during the treatment
according to the present invention also includes imaging achieved
by PET or SPECT. Assuming the time between creating the mapping
images and treatment by use of the ionizing beam extends beyond the
effective half-life of the metalloporphyrin, a metalloporphyrin is
again administered to the patient prior to the treatment, and the
metalloporphyrin metabolized in neoplastic tissue allows a very
distinct target by which the collimated beam can be aligned. Images
which are obtained real-time during treatment are compared with the
previous mapped images, and the collimated beam is adjusted as
necessary to maintain the collimated beam in alignment with its
targeted location.
[0025] By the use of a metalloporphyrin administered to the
patient, additional options are provided in treating cancerous or
suspect tissue through radiation therapy/radiosurgical procedures.
The metalloporphyrin can be specifically formulated to provide a
desired amount of radiation which will not only allow 3-dimensional
mapping during a PET/SPECT scanning, but may also provide radiation
for treatment by exposure of the suspect tissue during the time in
which the metalloporphyrin is metabolized by the tissue. The later
radiosurgical procedure by use of an irradiating beam can be dosed
to provide the amount of radiation necessary to provide the
additional treatment necessary. Accordingly, the initial exposure
of the tissue to the metalloporphyrin may result in desired
treatment to a specific level, and the remaining required treatment
can then be provided by the irradiating beam. Accordingly, the
present invention has great flexibility in delivering radiation in
two separate ways, namely, the administration of the
metalloporphyrin and the use of an irradiating beam. If two
administrations of a metalloporphyrin are required (i.e., once for
mapping and once for providing real-time images), then the
administrations are collectively dosed to deliver the desired
amount of radiation.
[0026] One clear advantage to the above method is that in many
instances, administration of the metalloporphyrin will greatly
shrink a tumor size; therefore, the beam of radiation can be better
focused onto a specific targeted area thereby further eliminating
exposure of healthy tissue to the irradiating beam.
[0027] Thus, with the present invention, radiosurgery/radiotherapy
can be optimized in a manner which enhances the ability to provide
a radiosurgical beam to targeted areas in the body and to limit the
adverse effects of radiation exposure of healthy tissue.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the major components
enabling completion of the method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] In order to execute the method and apparatus of the present
invention, a system is provided for delivering a collimated
ionizing beam of radiation to a targeted area of tissue. Examples
of such systems to support the present invention are disclosed in
the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,427,097 and 5,207,223.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a representative system to achieve the
present invention includes a computer 10 with data storage
capability that is capable of executing instructions from software
loaded within the computer. The computer can store and manipulate
3-dimensional mapping data images 12 of a patient being treated.
The 3-dimensional mapping is typically stored in digital form, and
is loaded in the computer 10 for later comparison purposes. As
mentioned above, the 3-dimensional mapping is preferably achieved
by SPECT or PET scanning following administration of a
metaloporphyrin to a patient. A beaming apparatus 16 is provided
which, when activated, emits a collimated surgical ionizing beam of
a sufficient strength to cause a targeted region to become
necrotic. Means are provided for generating real-time images 14 of
tissue at and around the area which is being treated by the
collimated beam during the stereotaxic radiosurgery/radiotherapy.
In one form, the real-time images may be created by passing first
and second diagnostic beams through the mapping region, the beams
being laterally extensive to provide projections of the mapping
region such as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,223. However,
the preferred manner in which to provide real-time images for
comparison of the previous 3-dimensional mapping is to conduct an
additional PET or SPECT procedure. These images 14 in digital form
are then loaded into the computer 10, and software in the computer
then compares the previous 3-dimensional mapping to the real-time
images to determine the extent to which the collimated beam must be
shifted or adjusted to irradiate the desired tissue. In response to
comparison of the real-time images to the previous 3-dimensional
mapping, means are provided for adjusting the relative position of
the beaming apparatus 16 thereby adjusting the collimated beam to
irradiate the desired target. As disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No.
5,427,09, one means to provide adjustment is through a robotic arm
which precisely adjusts the collimated beam.
[0031] Because images which are taken by the PET or SPECT
procedures are of such high quality and very accurately image
tissue in three dimensions, the collimated beam can be better
controlled, and the strength and duration of the beam can be
minimized to provide only the amount of radiation necessary to
treat targeted tissue, thereby minimizing exposure of healthy
tissue to the radiation.
[0032] If it is desired to perform multiple fraction stereotaxic
radiation, such treatment can be provided without having to use
fiducials or other markers since the metalloporphyrins will
efficiently localize in cancerous tissue, and the images are of
such high quality that apparatuses such as a fiducials are
therefore unnecessary to provide reference points to help locate
suspect areas.
[0033] Radiation therapy can be delivered to a patient in the
present method in multiple ways. The initial administration of the
metalloporphyrin may have significant therapeutic results, and
stereotaxic radiation can then complete the necessary radiation
treatment. The dosages of radiation provided both by the
metalloporphyrin and the irradiating beam can be selectively
adjusted to provide the desired level of treatment. In any case,
use of the irradiating beam to treat suspect tissue can be better
delivered to the patient because PET/SPECT precisely images suspect
tissue. Thus, the irradiating beam can thereby be better aligned
and minimized in strength and duration to irradiate only the target
region thereby minimizing exposure of healthy tissue that surrounds
the suspect tissue.
[0034] While the present invention has been described in connection
with a specific preferred embodiment, it shall be understood that
various modifications to the present invention can be made within
the spirit and the scope of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims.
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