Patient-derived breast model repository, a tool for hyperthermia treatment planning and applicator design

The addition of hyperthermia in the treatment of intact breast cancer with the aim to improve local response is currently in a research phase. First, optimal hyperthermia devices need to be developed, for which a diverse, anatomically and pathologically accurate set of patient models is necessary.

To investigate the effects of inter-subject variations on hyperthermia treatment plans, we generated a repository of 22 anatomically and pathologically diverse patient models based on MR images of breast cancer patients. Hyperthermia treatment plans were generated for the 22 models using a generic theoretical phased array hyperthermia applicator.

Good temperature coverage was achieved in the vast majority of the models, with median values for T₁₀ = 43.5°C (41.9-43.8°C), T₅₀ = 42.5°C (41.3-43.3°C), and T₉₀ = 41.3°C (39.8-42.6°C) under the condition that the maximum temperature increase in the patient is limited to 44°C.

For future development of hyperthermia devices and treatment methods, a repository with a sufficiently large number of representative patient models, such as the one provided in this study, should be used to ensure applicability to a wide variety of patients. This repository is therefore made publicly available.