Optimization of microwave hyperthermia system for focused breast cancer treatment: A study using realistic digital breast phantoms

This study presents an optimization method for focusing ME within breast tissue, performed in two steps: first phase optimization, followed by amplitude optimization. The electric field calculations are performed using both the MoM and Finite Difference Time Domain methods. The technique is numerically tested on two realistic breast models, with thermal indices calculated for each phantom and optimization process. Results show T90 values exceeding 40 <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:semantics> <mml:mrow><mml:msup><mml:mrow></mml:mrow> <mml:mo>∘</mml:mo></mml:msup> <mml:mi>C</mml:mi></mml:mrow> <mml:annotation>$^\circ{\rm C}$</mml:annotation></mml:semantics> </mml:math> and T50 values above 42 <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:semantics> <mml:mrow><mml:msup><mml:mrow></mml:mrow> <mml:mo>∘</mml:mo></mml:msup> <mml:mi>C</mml:mi></mml:mrow> <mml:annotation>$^\circ{\rm C}$</mml:annotation></mml:semantics> </mml:math> . While the study employs a 2D applicator, it provides a strong foundation for future development in 3D applications.