Capabilities and limitations of electromagnetic hyperthermia applicators

The heating profiles of different electrically small applicators are shown to be similar and field penetration to be a function of aperture size, frequency and tissue conductivity. Below 100 MHz field penetration of a given applicator is almost independent of low values of conductivity. Single or multiple surface applicators cannot effectively treat deep tumours. It is considered that the practical usefulness of hyperthermia using superficial electromagnetic applicators is limited.