Hyperthermia Treatment Planning

Model

Systems used for hyperthermia treatment of cancerous tumors require RF optimization for individual patients (treatment planning). This involves the generation of patient-specific models, EM simulations of the antenna array, simulation of the resulting temperature distribution and its optimization.
SEMCAD X supports extensive functionality for these purposes. Various applicators have been studied using, including the common BSD Sigma-60 applicator.

Simulation

The Sigma-60 applicator was simulated using unprecedented detail (minimum grid step of 0.5 mm). The influence of various factors like antenna shape, patient geometry, antenna isolation, water bolus losses, antenna cross-talk, frequency, etc. has been studied. Broadband and harmonic simulations have been run to correctly characterize the exposure system. A highly detailed patient phantom has been used.

Results

Both EM field and thermal distributions in the patient were obtained for the hyperthermia treatment system. Treatment planning on an individual patient basis has been shown to be feasible. This permits the reduction of hot-spots in healthy tissue, determination of the required dose and a general increase in treatment quality.