Evaluation of Transmit-Array Lens Antenna for Deep-Seated Hyperthermia Tumor Treatment

Abstract

A transmit-array lens antenna is proposed with a view to optimally treat patients with tumors deep inside their bodies. The proposed antenna produces a destructive interference of the electric field that can reduce the heat generated at the skin by the heat-nulling technique. Simultaneously, it concentrates microwave energy on the deep-seated tumor. It is possible to heat an area of 114 mm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> at a 50 mm depth below the skin without damage to normal cells. The specific absorption rate (SAR) at a depth of 50 mm corresponds to 50% of the maximum SAR induced in the human body. These results show that the proposed transmit-array lens antenna is suitable for treating tumors located deep inside the body, such as kidney cancer.