A Review of Magnetic Induction Methods for Hyperthermia Treatment of Cancer

Magnetic induction methods of producing power absorption in tissue are used for achieving tumor hyperthermia in experimental cancer therapy. Electromagnetic field distributions and associated tissue energy absorption rates (SAR) of concentric, pancake, and coaxially paired current coils are discussed. Application of the bioheat transfer equation using these SAR distributions yields predictions of normal tissue and intratumoral temperature elevations. The corroboration of these predictions by phantom, animal, and human studies confirms the importance of bioheat transfer modeling in evaluation of these hyperthermia methods. Tumor sizes, depths, and locations likely to be therapeutically heated by magnetic induction techniques are reviewed, based upon available evidence.