Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer using Thermal Therapies: Minimal and Non-invasive Techniques

New  research is being conducted in the diagnosis and new treatments of  cancer that has high efficacy and are minimally invasiveness. Artificial  intelligence, bioimpedance, thermal images and nanomaterials have been  used to provide early diagnosis. New treatments based on the generation  of microwaves, radiofrequency, or ultrasound have been proposed in the  last couple of decades. Although thermotherapies have been shown to be  efficient, for them to be considered as a primary treatment, they must  overcome some hurdles. One of the main challenges is to ensure  applicators that point the electromagnetic or the mechanical waves at a  tumor, don't affect the surrounding healthy tissues. In some cases,  nanoparticles have also been designed to achieve better focus. The  design of new applicators can be made by computational models based on  methods such as the finite element. However, to efficiently predict the  applicator’s performance, it is important that dielectric, thermal, and  acoustic properties (tissue characterization) are included in the  models. Not only healthy tissue, but also tumors must be characterized.  Patient specific treatment planning, which consists of a 3D patient  model based on medical images, can be developed to implement a safety  treatment. Moreover, tissue properties as well as the applicator must be  defined. Parameters such as temperature increase, and heat pattern must  be evaluated to ensure patient safety and treatment success.