Multiphysics simulation of tumor ablation in magnetic hyperthermia treatment

Abstract

Magnetic hyperthermia is a promising cancer treatment method that involves complex multiphysics phenomena, including interstitial tissue fluid flow, magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) transport, and temperature evolution. However, these intricate processes have rarely been studied simultaneously, primarily due to the lack of a comprehensive simulation tool. To address this issue, we develop a comprehensive numerical framework in this study. Using this framework, we simulate a circular-shaped tumor embedded in healthy tissue. The treatment process is examined under two scenarios: one considering gravity and the other neglecting it. Without gravity, the interstitial tissue flow remains stationary, and hence MNP transport and temperature evolution are determined solely by diffusion. The optimal treatment time, when the tumor cells are completely ablated, decreases with both the Lewis number and the heat source number, following a power law. When gravity is considered, treatment efficacy deteriorates due to buoyancy-induced MNP movement, significantly extending the time required to completely ablate the tumor cells. This required time increases with both the buoyancy ratio and the Darcy ratio, also following a power law. The results from this study could provide valuable guidelines for practical magnetic hyperthermia treatment.