Challenges to Demonstrating Efficacy When Translating Microwave Diagnostic Devices

Microwave interactions with biological tissues have been proposed and examined for medical diagnostics for over forty years, yet despite substantial academic and industrial interest, very few diagnostic devices are in clinical use. Drawing on evidence from the literature, several common challenges to clinical translation of microwave diagnostic devices are identified with a particular emphasis on clinical efficacy. This work highlights potential solutions and practical approaches from related fields to help bridge the translational gap.