Iterative time-reversal for multi-frequency hyperthermia

Abstract Time-reversal (TR) is a known wideband array beam-forming technique that has been suggested as treatment planning alternative in deep microwave hyperthermia for cancer treatment. While the aim classic TR to focus energy at specific point within target, no assumptions are made on secondary lobes might arise healthy tissues. These lobes, together with tissue heterogeneity, may result hot-spots (HSs), which limit efficiency of thermal dose delivery tumor. This paper proposes novel focusing method iteratively shifts away from HSs and towards cold-spots an initial solution, procedure improves tumor coverage reduces HSs. We verify this two different applicator topologies several target volume configurations. The algorithm deterministic runs seconds, enabling its use real-time applications. At same time, it yields results comparable those obtained global stochastic optimizers such Particle Swarm.