ESHO benchmarks for computational modeling and optimization in hyperthermia therapy.

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Computational Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer hyperthermia (HT) treatment success depends on precise temperature control in tumors and healthy tissues for efficacy and safety.
• Hyperthermia treatment planning (HTP) simulations are vital for optimizing HT treatments through pre-treatment planning, decision-making, and real-time guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish guidelines and benchmarks for computational methods used in hyperthermia treatment planning (HTP).
• To promote standardization in the hyperthermia community for method comparison, code verification, and clinical relevance of simulation outcomes.
• To provide guidance for novel device development and treatment approaches in radiofrequency, microwave, and ultrasound hyperthermia.

Main Methods:

• Development of a comprehensive set of applicator benchmarks.
• Proposal of efficacy and safety optimization algorithms.
• Definition of standardized simulation settings and clinical parameters for HTP.

Main Results:

• Establishment of benchmarks for comparing computational methods and verifying simulation codes.
• Provision of guidance for optimizing hyperthermia treatments.
• Inclusion of benchmarks for ultrasound-based hyperthermia alongside radiofrequency and microwave methods.

Conclusions:

• Standardized guidelines are proposed to accelerate the validation of novel hyperthermia approaches in clinically relevant scenarios.
• The study aims to foster consensus on tissue properties, simulation settings, and benchmark applicators within the hyperthermia community.
• These guidelines will enhance the clinical relevance and reliability of computational outcomes in hyperthermia research and practice.