SYSTEMS FOR IRRADIATION OF CANCER WITH BROAD SPECTRUM RADIATION BY MEANS OF OPTIC FIBRES AND OPTIC PROBES

Abstract: A system for the irradiation of certain forms of cancer with broad spectrum radiation via optic fibres and optic probes is described. Optic fibres (10) and (11) are introduced into or in close proximity to cancerous tissue by means of optic probes (13) in such a way as to avoid unnecessary irradiation of adjacent healthy tissue. The UV energy destroys cancer cells while the IR energy heats up the tissue, thereby enhancing the effects of other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy or ionising radiation. UV and IR radiation may be administered via optic fibres simultaneously with conventional radiation or chemotherapy, or the UV and/or IR radiation may be administred separately or in combination on the completion of conventional treatments. Radiation levels from radiation sources (1) and (2) are controlled by a computer (21) and a control module (18). By means of a communication fibre (16) and a picture fibre (15), the course of the treatment may be followed on a monitor (17), data recorded on a printer (22) and shown on a computer display (23).

Description: Systems for Irradiation of Cancer with Broad Spectrum Radiation by Means of Optic Fibres and Optic Probes The invention relates to a system for broad spectrum infra red and ultra violet irradiation of cancerous tissue while avoiding the irradiation of adjacent healthy tissue. The radiation is delivered via optic fibres and optic probes placed into or close to the treatment site. The application of radiation physics to induce hyperthermia in living tissue to a controlled level (normally 40 - 45 C), is a relatively new technique, but it is established that hyperthermia will enhance the effectiveness of conventional ionising radiation. At the same time there has always the problem of how to heat up just the affected tissue and not adjacent healthy tissue. Many methods of inducing hyperthermia now exist, for example, R.F. and microwave heating, magnetic induction, ultrasound, and hot water capilliaries . The latter depends upon conduction for heat transfer and has little depth of penetration. (See for example Tor Vergata Monograph Series Vol. 1993 Hyperthermia and E.S.H.O. June 1993 Brussels Book of abstracts.) The other methods are all necessarily complex in design and operation, requiring probes (applicators) which are sensitive to small changes m parameters and may suffer from loading effects. U.S.A. Patents no. 5-151-096 and 5-050-597, and D.D. Pat.no. 296-616 are examples of the use of lasers as radiation sources. Lasers are complicated and operate at discrete wavelengths, requiring complex control systems and sometimes water cooling of the probes (applicators), (as shown for example in U.S. pa .no.5-050-597) m order to ensure thermal uniformity of the site, which may be influenced by secondary heating effects due to conduction. Applicators of the complexity required by such systems are not easy to manufacture, or, because of their size and shape , to implant, whilst direct laser beam radiation of a site results in hyperthermia induced by conduction from the heated irradiated area into surrounding tissue, which may be destroyed in the process. Such drawbacks are avoided in the system described here which is characterised in claim one (1) and with probes also described in claim two (2). The system described in this invention is essentially different from those referred to above in that it is relatively simple in design, manufacture and operation. It employs wide band infra red energy in the range of 700 - 10.000 nm (Nanometer) , and/or ultra violet energy in the range of 100 - 400 n . The energy is conveyed from the radiation sources to the treatment site with optic fibres, and applied oy means oi optic probes/applicators which are inserted directly into or in close proximity to the affected tissue. The probes are also easy to insert because of their small size and simple shape. Cooling is not necessary. They are also designed with symmetrical or asymmetrical fields of radiation with respect to their longitudinal axis. This feature permits irradiation of the affected tissue whilst avoiding or minimising the unnecessary irradiation of adjacent healthy tissue. Temperature elevation of the site is rapid and uniform, with good penetration depth, and is achieved by radiation only and not modified by conduction. The probe design also offers the facility of inducing hyperthermia with infra red energy from one source, with the option of simultaneous irradiation of the site with ultra violet energy m the range of 100 - 400 nm as an additional therapy from a separate source, using a common applicator/probe. The UV energy in the above wavelengths in combination with the infra red radiation will destroy cells in the irradiated region. Additionally, the UV energy may be used to activate photosensitive drugs employed in chemotherapy. In addition to the UV and IR fibres within the applicators is another fibre dedicated to illumination and vision, which, by means of a camera attachment enables the applicators to be correctly positioned. The course of the treatment can thereby be followed and controlled by the use of a monitor. The applicators also contain another fibre dedicated to the control function. By this means, the treatment site temperatures and the radiation levels may be monitored and controlled. Referring to the attached drawings, figure 1 shows a block diagram of the system, and fig.2 shows the different forms of the probes described in the invention. Referring to fig.l, a radiation module (1) containing a radiation source with parabola and optic, generates a broad spectrum of infra red in the range of 700 - 10.000 nm. The radiation is conveyed from one or more outlets (6) via a connector (8) to an optic fibre (11) which is efficient at IR wavelengths. A radiation module (2) comprising an incandescent or arc source with a parabola and quartz optic, generates broad spectrum ultra violet radiation in the range 100 - 400 nm. The radiation is conveyed from one or more outlets (4) via a connector (8) to an optic fibre (10) which is efficient at UV wavelengths. The optic light guides (10) + (11) together with vision and control fibres (15) + (16) are passed to a distributor (12). They are divided into smaller bundles containing fibres from each path, a d inserted into optic probes (13) . The ends of the probes and the included fibres are then cut and polished at designed angles to enable the radiation field to conform to a desired shape. (Fig.2) . The UV and IR radiation levels are both regulated by a control unit (18) in conjunction with a computer (21). The picture fibre (15) and communications fibre (16) are, via the distributor (12), included in the optic probe (13) together with the UV and IR fibres (10) and (11). The picture fibre (15) and camera unit (19) enable the course of the treatment to be followed on the monitor unit (17). The control fibre (16) and control unit (18) enables the site temperature and the radiation levels to be controlled, with relevant data being recorded on the printer (22) and shown on the computer display (23).

Claims: PATENT CLAIM 1. A system for the irradiation of cancerous tissue comprising radiation sources (1) and (2) delivering radiation to the tissue via optic fibres contained in optic probes (13) inserted into the tissue and characterised in that the radiation sources (1) and (2) generate broad spectrum IR in the range 700 - 10.000 nanometer and/or broad spectrum UV radiation in the range 100 -400 nanometer. 2. Optic probes in the system in accordance with claim 1 containing bundles of optic fibres where the radiation is emitted from the tip of the optic fibre and is characterised in that at the probe (13) distal end the fibres are cut at a designed angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the probe (13) or that distal end of the probe is tapered symetrically about the longitudinal axis. 3. The probe (13) in accordance with claim 2 is characterised in that at also contains a communication and control fibre (16) and a light and vision fibre (15).

Inventors: LAUSTSEN TORBEN, LAUSTSEN, TORBEN
Applicants: LAUSTSEN TORBEN, TCT FIBER OPTIK AS, LAUSTSEN, TORBEN, TCT FIBER OPTIK A/S
Application year: 1993
Main classification: A61N5
IPC codes: A61N5