Modelling of working parameters of Gd and FeRh nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia

Abstract

In the Magnetic Hyperthermia method, the magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) play a fundamental role in the thermal damage of tumor mass. The hyperthermic temperature range corresponding to the therapeutic temperatures (41 ÷ 45) °C depends on their magnetic and thermal properties, the type and the size. This paper describes the characteristics of the magnetocaloric materials Gd and Fe49Rh51 for a new hyperthermia method. A mathematical model was developed to describe the bioheat transport within a tumor surrounded by the healthy tissue, when an external alternating magnetic field was applied. Numerical simulations were performed in Comsol Multiphysics for MNP concentrations, tumor mass, frequency of the magnetic field, etc The frequency dependence of the temperature field was studied for different MNP concentrations within the tumors of various masses. Gd and Fe49Rh51 are good candidates for the new hyperthermia method. FeRh reaches a thermal equilibrium in a shorter time (few minutes). Small concentrations of Gd particles injected within a tumor induce a uniform therapeutic temperature field. This is an important advantage of Gd compared with FeRh.