A study on enhanced hyperthermia treatment for liver cancer using magnetic nanoparticles

Hyperthermia has been in use as a potential alternative method in cancer treatment. RF and microwave radiation have been used in hyperthermia to raise the tumor temperature to around 42°C without causing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. One of the greatest technical challenges in hyperthermia has been the development of a means of selectively heating deep-seated tumors. In this paper we present a study of new enhanced hyperthermia procedure for liver cancer through the use of magnetic nanoparticles. Iron oxide nanoparticles are injected into the tumor and due to their magnetic properties they help raise the tumor to the desired level in a shorter period of time. They can be injected via arterial embolization to avoid the circulation of the nanoparticles within healthy tissues. The effect of various nanoparticle parameters such as their magnetic susceptibility and concentration are evaluated in order to determine the effect on the SAR distribution and the temperatures in the tumor and surrounding tissue.