Expansion of thermometry in magnetic hyperthermia cancer therapy: antecedence and aftermath

Magnetic hyperthermia cancer therapy (MHCT) is a promising antitumor therapy based on the generation of heat by magnetic nanoparticles under the influence of an alternating-current magnetic field. However, an often-overlooked factor hindering the translation of MHCT to clinics is the inability to accurately monitor temperature, thereby leading to erroneous thermal control. It is significant to address 'thermometry' during magnetic hyperthermia because numerous factors are affected by the magnetic fields employed, rendering traditional thermometry methods unsuitable for temperature estimation. Currently, there is a dearth of literature describing appropriate techniques for thermometry during MHCT. This review offers a general outline of the various modes of conventional thermometry as well as cutting-edge techniques operating at cellular/nanoscale levels (nanothermometry) as prospective thermometers for MHCT in the future.