Combined parameter and state estimation in the radio frequency hyperthermia treatment of cancer

Particle filters are general methods for the solution of state estimation problems, which can be applied to nonlinear models with non-Gaussian uncertainties. In this paper, an algorithm of the particle filter is used for the simultaneous estimation of model parameters and state variables in a bioheat transfer problem associated with the radio frequency (RF) hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Results obtained with simulated measurements indicate an excellent agreement between the estimated and the exact quantities, even for cases with large uncertainties in the measurements, as well as in the evolution and measurement models.