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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
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A Computational Modeling Approach to Investigate the Influence of Hyperthermia on the Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: December 1, 2023
Improving conformal tumour heating by adaptively removing control points from waveform diversity beamforming
Matthew R Jennings1, Robert J McGough
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1226, USA.
Summary
Waveform diversity, a beamforming strategy, significantly enhances therapeutic ultrasound heating of tumours by optimizing power delivery. This method almost quintupled the heated tumor volume in simulations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Ultrasound Therapy
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Phased array beamforming strategies aim to optimize therapeutic heat delivery to tumors.
- Current methods face challenges in achieving uniform and sufficient tumor temperatures while sparing normal tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of waveform diversity combined with mode scanning and adaptive control point removal for enhancing tumor hyperthermia.
- To investigate the impact of selective tumor control point deletion on heated tumor volume and temperature distribution.
Main Methods:
- Simulations using a 1444-element spherical section ultrasound phased array.
- Application of waveform diversity, mode scanning, and an adaptive control point removal algorithm.
- Analysis of power deposition and temperature distribution in a 3 cm spherical tumor model at 12 cm distance.
Main Results:
- Selective deletion of tumor control points increased the heated tumor volume above 42°C from 2.28 cm³ to 11.22 cm³.
- Optimized control point placement (periphery and back edge) maximized heated tumor volume under a 43°C peak constraint.
- The combined approach increased penetration depth and heated tumor volume, with a minor increase in heated normal tissue volume.
Conclusions:
- Waveform diversity, mode scanning, and adaptive control point removal significantly improve ultrasound-guided tumor hyperthermia.
- This strategy offers a promising method for achieving larger and more uniform tumor heating, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes.
- Further research and clinical validation are warranted to translate these simulation findings into practice.
