Study of microwave energy localization in human tissue

This paper presents a study of the microwave energy localization for pathologic treatment of the knee in human tissue. For the computational study, we have developed the finite difference time domain (FDTD) electromagnetic (EM) solver and FDTD thermal solver. The simulation test using these solver was performed for a 2D knee model with the tumor at 915 MHz. The time reversal (TR) algorithm was proposed the effective beam focusing at the target position. The detailed results are presented and discussed.

I. Introduction

A variety of modality therapies for the cancer treatment have been used in recent years. To solve the side effects of existing therapies, new treatment therapies used in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy, have been used and it can increase tumor cell kill without added side effects [1]. The microwave thermotherapy is also known to kill cancer cells and it can be a synergistic effect with radiation therapy and chemotherapy [2]–[3]. A microwave thermotherapy technique might be possible to eliminate or reduce knee surgery and radiation therapy and potentially increase the utilization and effectiveness. The focused microwave thermotherapy could be useful for pain relief and treatment of pathology in many musculoskeletal diseases.