Comparative theoretical performance for two types of regional hyperthermia systems

Regional hyperthermia systems have drawn attention because of their potential for depositing power noninvasively in deep-seated tumors. Two such systems that have received clinical attention because of their ability to deposit significant amounts of power in tissue are magnetic induction devices and annular phased array applicators. In this paper, theoretical calculations for the specific absorption rate (SAR) and the resulting temperature distributions for these systems are compared. The finite element method is used in the formulation of both the electromagnetic and thermal boundary value problems. Six detailed patient models based on CT-scan data from the pelvic, visceral, and thoracic regions are generated to simulate a variety of tumor locations. In general, the annular phased array deposited more power within the tumor and produced better temperature distributions than the magnetic induction device. However, the ratio of the maximum power absorbed by the tumor to the maximum power absorbed in normal tissue does not appear to be high enough for either device to heat significant portions of perfused tumors to therapeutic temperatures under a wide range of physiological conditions. The results contained herein should aid the physician in comparative treatment planning with existing regional hyperthermia systems.