Multi-frequency radiometrie data integration with a thermal model in a simulated hyperthermia treatment

Measurement of tissue temperature distributions in the interior of human body is becoming more required in modern medicine. In the hyperthermic treatment of cancer efficacy requires that the temperature of malignant cells be enhanced above 42.5°C, while the surrounding healthy tissue should be kept at lower temperature. Control of the heating system makes use of real-time information of temperature in the heated body region. Moreover, the validation of a treatment modality requires the assessment of the dependence between the temperature distribution reached in the treated area and clinical outcomes. Invasive techniques of temperature measurement and control are used at the present time, while non-invasive techniques have also been proposed. Among the techniques proposed for non-invasive temperature measurement microwave radiometry is unique because the basic physical quantity sensed, thermal radiation, is directly dependent on the temperature distribution within the emitting body.