Optimizing Magnetic Fields and Coil Designs for Magnetic Hyperthermia - Breast Cancer Treatment

Magnetic hyperthermia is an emerging method that can be utilized in the medical world to treat cancer. The concept revolves around heating magnetic nanoparticles to approximately 45 degrees C. The magnetic field is central to this process and plays a vital role in achieving the desired therapeutic effects. This study looks at optimizing the coil geometry to enhance magnetic field strengths whilst simultaneously ensuring safety. Coil geometries influence the field produced significantly. Traditional coil designs are based on conventional helical solenoids that produce fields up to 20 kA/m. To further develop the geometry, FEA simulations were employed to analyze different coil geometries. Research indicated that conventional pancake coils were ineffective unless the cancer was close to the surface of the skin. Contrary to this, the conical frustum shaped coil, tailored to fit around the human breast displayed advantageous results, even when compared to the standard solenoid. The conical frustum shaped coil was validated to ensure that safety and comfort tolerances were adhered to. Within 10 min of hyperthermia treatment, the proposed geometry would be able to produce field strengths (9 kA/m) that lead to sufficient temperature increase for effective breast cancer treatment. Magnetic hyperthermia is a concept with significant scope in the medical world. The magnetic field is pivotal, and the study demonstrates the advantages of tailoring the geometry to enhance the fields produced. Through optimizing the magnetic field strength intensity and targeting ability, whilst maintaining patient comfort and safety, the research advances the prospects of magnetic hyperthermia as a cancer treatment process.