Focused microwave phased array thermotherapy for primary breast cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Physics
• Thermotherapy

Background:

• A pilot safety study investigated focused microwave phased array thermotherapy for primary breast carcinomas.
• The study aimed to evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of this novel treatment modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of focused microwave phased array thermotherapy in patients with primary breast carcinomas.
• To determine the feasibility of delivering a specific tumor thermal dose using this technology.

Main Methods:

• Ten patients with superficial breast carcinomas (1-8 cm) were treated with focused microwave phased array thermotherapy in the prone position.
• The planned tumor thermal dose was 60 minutes at 43°C, with efficacy assessed via breast imaging and pathology.
• Adequate skin cooling was employed during treatment.

Main Results:

• The mean delivered tumor equivalent thermal dose was 51.7 minutes at a mean peak tumor temperature of 44.9°C.
• Ultrasound imaging revealed a mean tumor size reduction of 41% in 60% of patients 5-18 days post-treatment.
• A significant tumor response (size reduction or cell kill) was observed in 80% of the patients.

Conclusions:

• Focused microwave phased array thermotherapy is safe for treating breast carcinomas when combined with adequate skin cooling.
• The study demonstrated potential efficacy, supporting further investigation into increased tumor thermal doses for improved breast conservation.
• Larger patient population studies are recommended to confirm efficacy and optimize treatment parameters.