Thermal Cancer Treatment

Background

Various treatment modalities exploit the thermal response of cancer cells and the synergetic effects achieved by applying both thermal treatments and other types of conventional therapies, such as radiation and chemotherapy. Heat-induced cell death is achieved by generating focused EM energy (e.g., using a phase array applicator) to elevate the tissue temperatures of the tumor to 41–45 C in hyperthermia or to temperatures above 60 C for tumor ablation. Other techniques to selectively heat tissues include high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and laser light.

Selected Past Achievements

• Development of a novel applicator prototype (proof of concept) to accurately control the energy focus, i.e., amplitude and phase of each element. It is designed for precise production and ease of use.
• Application of our simulation software to design novel medical device prototypes (e.g., hyperthermia applicators and RF/HIFU ablation devices) jointly with our clinical partners
• Validation and QA concept
• Development of a multiphysics model of tumor growth that integrates various heat interactions and studies the mechanisms associated with thermal treatments.

Next Challenges

• To improve the clinical integration of the treatment planning software
• To develop a clinical applicator prototype
• To conduct clinical trials with the newly developed applicators.