3D electromagnetic modelling of new loco-regional hyperthermia applicator coupled with high resolution patient specific phantom

Hyperthermia in oncology means exposing tumour to high-temperature in order to sensitize it to the main therapy modalities. There are a few clinical radio frequency-based phased-array applicators, named loco-regional hyperthermia (LHT) systems, to deliver hyperthermia to deep-seated tumours noninvasively. In the current study, a new dipole-based two ring LHT applicator was proposed and its specific absorption rate (SAR) characteristics were compared with clinical Sigma-60 system. It was demonstrated that the proposed applicator improves SAR focusing and SAR delivering capability compared to Sigma-60 applicator. However, the operating frequency of proposed applicator is higher than that of Sigma-60; therefore, higher fraction of applied energy is absorbed in less deep tissues and there is increased possibility of hot-spot occurrence compared to using Sigma-60.