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.

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.