A novel monitoring technique for breast cancer hyperthermia using thermoacoustic imaging

A novel real-time monitoring method is presented based on thermoacoustic imaging for applications in breast cancer hyperthermia. In the proposed technique, thermoacoustic imaging combined with compressive sensing is implemented to improve monitoring efficiency. Numerical modeling work is done using a breast phantom, which has realistic dielectric properties and internal structures, to validate feasibility of the presented technique. Results of the modeling work clearly show the effectiveness of the monitoring method. This technique can also find applications in other types of hyperthermia.