Feasibility of MRI-guided hyperthermia treatment of head and neck cancer

Clinical studies have established a strong benefit from adjuvant mild hyperthermia to radio- and chemotherapy for many tumor sites, including the head and neck. The recently developed HYPERcollar allows applying local radiofrequency hyperthermia to tumors in the entire head and neck. Treatment quality is optimized using a combination of electromagnetic and temperature simulators and assessed using invasively placed thermometers. To replace the current invasive thermometry, we are investigating if magnetic resonance (MR) measurements can be exploited for continuous and 3D thermal dose assessment during treatment. In this study, we designed an MR compatible laboratory prototype applicator. We showed that the laboratory prototype applicator, based on re-designed patch antennas, enables MR guided focused heating and allows effective mitigating of image distortion. Hence, we conclude that hybrid MR-hyperthermia treatment in the head and neck region is feasible. The novel hybrid laboratory prototype further allows thorough investigation of patient and systems induced imaging distortions in preparation of the design of a clinical applicator.