Evaluation of the glioblastoma multiforme treatment with hyperthermia using the finite element method

Abstract

In this study, using radiofrequency and bioheat transfer modules, heat transfer in tumor treatment was simulated easily and realistically with a low error rate. The modeling aimed to effectively suppress or destroy the growth of cancerous tissue. Bioheat transfer equations of Maxwell and Penne were used in the electromagnetic application. A 2-D microwave antenna model was designed to be used in the treatment of hyperthermia using the finite element method. Parameters related to antenna geometry, chemical and biological parameters to be used in temperature equations were used from previous studies in this field. The distribution of the total power density applied by the microwave power source in the brain tissue, the specific absorption rates (SAR), the temperature of the antenna and its surroundings, and the distribution of the damaged area at the end of the application were controlled. The safe power, frequency, time interval, and geometric properties of the microwave antenna catheter applied to the brain tissue in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) were determined. The application time is about 10 minutes, the power range is 5-10 W, the frequency is between 0.915 GHz − 2.45 GHz and the antenna geometry should be 70 mm long. Its length should be suitable for the tissue and its width should be 30 mm.

Keywords:

• Finite element method
• glioblastoma multiforme
• hyperthermia
• microwave ablation
• simulation

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Correction

Acknowledgments

We thank to Assoc. Prof. Sevil Özer for his support with her technical knowledge.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).