Thermofluid Analysis in Magnetic Hyperthermia Using Low Curie Temperature Particles

Magnetic hyperthermia uses the targeted therapeutic heat from magnetic particles (MPs) in an alternating magnetic field to kill cancer cells. MPs with low Curie temperature (Tc) (in the range 42°C-45°C), high magnetization, and magnetic permeability/susceptibility are good candidates for their use in hyperthermia therapy. This paper analyzes the hyperthermic effects determined by the MPs with low Tc within a tumoral configuration from healthy tissue when an alternating magnetic field is applied. The temperature field was determined as a solution of the Pennes bioheat transfer equation. The spatial distribution of the particles after their injection within the tissues was computed by solving the convection-diffusion equation in porous tissues. Results show that the MP injection rate significantly influences the spatial distribution of the particles and the temperature field of the tumor. Higher values of the ferrofluid flow rate push more particles to the tumor center, thus also elevate its central temperature. The temperature field becomes uniform in a percentage of 90% of tumor volume if a blood vessel is localized at the tumor center.