Non-invasive Cancer Treatment Research Articles

Characterization of a Tranceiving Antenna Concept for Microwave Heating and Thermometry of Superficial Tumors - Abstract

A tranceiving printed circuit antenna concept, intended to be used for simultaneous heating and thermometry in hyperthermia therapy, is introduced and experimentally investigated in a liquid phantom. Two important questions have been addressed. First, optimum antenna design related to the depth-of-sensitivity and lateral beam width for microwave radiometry detection of subcutaneous objects. Second, optimum antenna design aimed at producing large area hyperthermia at superficial depth. Due to the nature of the problem, it is not possible to optimize one antenna configuration design to meet both these criteria. Instead an integrated dual antenna concept, consisting of one transmitting and one receiving antenna, is proposed. By means of a scanning electric field probe the radiated electric field distribution (E2) was measured for the concept in a homogeneous lossy medium. The measurements were further parameterized in terms of four performance indices defined in this work. A microstrip spiral antenna is shown to be appropriate for thermometry in the frequency range from 1400 MHz to 2400 MHz. For microwave heating we propose a microstrip coplanar grounded ring antenna. Analysis reveals that this antenna has the ability to produce effective radiation out to the periphery of the aperture. Due to the integration of both antennas onto thin and flexible printed circuit board substrate, the tranceiving device is both lightweight and conformable. From the analyses we conclude that the concept has the potential of being an effective building block of larger array systems, for noninvasive thermometry and cancer treatment of large superficial tissue regions.

NONINVASIVE BREAST CANCER: The Dilemma of the 1990s

The most profound impact in the field of breast cancer during the last 15 years has been the development and acceptance of screening mammography: a test capable of finding nonpalpable cancer years before it would have become clinically evident. Many of these nonpalpable lesions are noninvasive; many of them are not even real cancers. The spectrum of treatment for noninvasive breast cancer runs from nothing more than excisional biopsy to bilateral mastectomy. No wonder noninvasive breast cancer is one of the most confusing problems in oncology today, for both patients and physicians.

Photodynamic Laser Therapy: A Bladder Cancer Protocol

This data, along with data from other research studies, indicate that PDT is a promising new treatment for noninvasive bladder cancer. In the current study at Veterans Administration Medical Center, three of the four patients who received Thiotepa have had recurrences of their bladder tumors or positive urine cytology. The three patients who received PDT have not experienced any recurrences or positive urine cytology. Since we have been involved in this trial, we have developed some recommendations that other institutions may want to follow. The tip of the laser fiber is very bright. To decrease eye strain and fatigue, a lens cap with a green eye shield should be used on the cytoscope. All staff should wear green-colored safety eye glasses. This will protect their eyes from constant exposure to the intense incandescent radiation, and if the fiber should break, it would protect their eyes from the bright red color. With all the extra equipment such as ultrasound, power meters, light sources, and anesthesia equipment, it is important to avoid tripping over extension cords. The cords should be covered. Also, it is important not to bump into the equipment, which can happen because the OR is dark. At this time, the laser technician is the only person authorized at our medical center to operate the argon-pumped tunable dye laser. In the future, if more research programs are started or therapy is approved for other uses, additional personnel will be trained.