Enhancing liver cancer treatment: Exploring the frequency effects of magnetic nanoparticles for heat-based tumor therapy with microwaves

The comprehension of heat transfer mechanisms and their profound implications on biological heat transfer is of paramount importance in the advancement of cancer treatments across all types of malignancies. In the present study, the intricate interplay between Pennes' biothermal principles, Maxwell's electromagnetic equations, and heat generation via a one-slot microwave antenna is resolved numerically. By administering magnetite nanoparticles into malignant tumors, an induced field is engendered, ultimately leading to tumor ablation. By manipulating the microwave frequency, the resultant field is assessed to ascertain the optimal therapeutic modality for this dangerous ailment. The investigation incorporates varying volume percentages of nanoparticles, namely 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, and 0.005 percent, yielding tumor necrosis durations of 2.8, 7.3, 34, and 69 s, respectively. Furthermore, the loss of healthy tissue is quantified as 4.8 %, 15.4 %, 65 %, and 139 %, respectively. Consequently, a direct correlation emerges between the percentage of nanoparticles employed and the diminished treatment duration, as well as reduced adverse effects on healthy tissues, leading to improved patient comfort and minimized thermal-induced injury. Additionally, the influence of frequency within the microwave range (0.3–10 GHz) is probed. Accordingly, when the nanoparticles are injected into the tumor, the frequency has no meaningful difference in the treatment result.