Optimization of the Clinical Setting Using Numerical Simulations of the Electromagnetic Field in an Obese Patient Model for Deep Regional Hyperthermia of an 8 MHz Radiofrequency Capacitively Coupled Device in the Pelvis

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the clinical setting for deep regional hyperthermia of an 8 MHz radiofrequency (RF) capacitively coupled device in the pelvis by using numerical simulations of the electromagnetic field. Methods: A three-dimensional patient model of cervical cancer of the uterus in an obese patient was reconstructed with computed tomography data. The specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature distributions among the various heating settings were evaluated using numerical simulations. Results: The averaged SAR value of the deep target tumor was similar between with or without overlay boluses (OBs), and that of the subcutaneous fat (SF) at the edges of cooling boluses with OBs was lower than that of the SF without OBs. The use of OBs reduced the overheating of the SF. The 0.5% salt solution in the OB produced the least overheated areas outside the deep target tumor compared with the other concentrations. The insertion of the intergluteal cleft (IGC) bolus could improve the temperature concentration of the deep target tumor. Conclusions: The use of OBs and the salt solution concentration in the OB were important to optimize the temperature distribution. IGC bolus might contribute to temperature optimization. Further studies with individualized numerical simulations in each patient are expected.

The Evaluation of Oncological Hyperthermia Centers and Turkey Modeling Oncological Hyperthermia Centers and Turkey Modeling

Introduction and Objectives: The latest technology and current treatments are used in the treatment of cancer in Turkey; however, oncological hyperthermia devices are currently not available. This study aimed to demonstrate the necessity of oncological hyperthermia devices in Turkey where cancer treatment is performed effectively. In this direction, some important oncological hyperthermia centers have been examined to what kind of planning can be developed in this country. Materials and Methods: The data were collected regarding the number of patients who had undergone hyperthermia during the treatment of cancer and the distribution of oncological diagnoses, devices per population, and rate of hyperthermia use. Subsequently, a model was prepared for Turkey, and an evaluation was performed on the number of cancer patients that can be applied to this treatment and the need for the number of oncological hyperthermia devices. Results: According to the data obtained, an average of 375 patients are treated annually per hyperthermia device in relevant centers. When a similar projection is applied for Turkey, hyperthermia treatment can be applied to an average of 400 patients annually with 0.18 hyperthermia devices per one million population. According to this result, considering the population and the annual cancer diagnosis rates, it is predicted that 13 deep regional hyperthermia devices are required across the country. Conclusion: The presence of deep regional hyperthermia devices in comprehensive oncology centers plays an effective role in oncological treatment with modern radiotherapy devices. This condition along with the sufficient number of radiation oncologists will significantly benefit the capacity to provide oncological treatment options holistically.

Evaluation of Oncological Hyperthermia Centers and Turkey Modeling Oncological Hyperthermia Centers and Turkey Modeling

Background Hyperthermia is a radio/chemo sensitizing method effectively used in oncological treatments. These devices, which have been used effectively in many centers around the world in the treatment of cancer, are currently unavailable in our country. In this study, hyperthermia treatments that could be applied, the number of hyperthermia devices required and the potential effects in our country have been investigated in line with the applications of hyperthermia worldwide.Methods Based on the data obtained from certain reference centers the number and ratios of hyperthermia applications were determined and the data obtained was modeled according to the number of cancer cases in our country.Results According to the data obtained, an average of 375 patients are treated annually per hyperthermia device in relevant centers. When a similar projection is applied for our country, hyperthermia treatment can be applied to an average of 400 patients annually with 0,18 hyperthermia devices per one million population. According to this, considering the population and the annual cancer diagnosis rates, it is predicted that 13 deep regional hyperthermia devices are required across the country.Conclusion The presence of deep regional hyperthermia devices in comprehensive oncology centers that play an effective role in oncological treatment with modern radiotherapy devices and have enough radiation oncologists will significantly benefit the capacity to provide oncological treatment options holistically.