An antenna-based system for hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer

Abstract

An antenna-based system for hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer, consisting of: a G-shaped microstrip patch antenna configured for operation at an ISM frequency of 434 MHz and having dimensions of 3.6 cm × 3.8 cm × 1.6 cm; an aluminum cavity chamber to accommodate the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna; a coaxial feed line configured to allow an impedance matching of 50 ohms to the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna; a bolus of deionized water configured to surround the aluminum cavity chamber, wherein the bolus of deionized water is further configured to serve as a cooling medium for controlling the skin surface temperature, and wherein the bolus of deionized water is further configured to reduce hotspots and improve the radiation efficiency of the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna; and A polyethylene film was positioned between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna and the bolus of deionized water to prevent interference between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna and a breast tissue phantom.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna-based system for the hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer. In particular, the present invention relates to a hyperthermia therapy system that aims to combine localized heating with efficiency and safety for breast cancer patients. Its development is intended to address the unmet need for affordable and effective hyperthermia devices, especially in regions with limited access to advanced cancer therapies. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hyperthermia therapy, in which the tumor temperature is raised to approximately 41-42 °C, has proven to be a promising adjuvant treatment method for breast cancer when combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The therapeutic efficacy of hyperthermia is based on the precise delivery of electromagnetic energy to the tumor tissue while simultaneously minimizing thermal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

[0003] The choice of operating frequency is crucial in hyperthermia applications. A frequency of 434 MHz in the ISM band (Industry, Science, and Medicine) offers an optimal balance between tissue penetration depth and energy absorption. This frequency range is particularly well-suited for treating subcutaneous tumors because it reduces power reflection at tissue boundaries and ensures sufficient penetration into biological tissue.

[0004] Conventional hyperthermia applicators face several technical challenges, including limited penetration depth, uneven heating, excessive energy absorption in healthy tissue, and insufficient focusing of the electromagnetic radiation. These limitations lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes and potential complications due to overheating of non-target tissue.

[0005] Microstrip patch antennas offer advantages such as compact size, low profile, and ease of manufacturing. However, conventional patch antennas for lower frequencies require large dimensions, limiting their clinical applicability. The G-shaped antenna geometry addresses this challenge by enabling miniaturization while maintaining performance at 434 MHz through improved current distribution along the radiation edges.

[0006] Cavity-supported antenna structures improve directivity by suppressing back-emission and focusing electromagnetic energy onto the target tissue. The integration of impedance matching layers and dielectric materials further increases energy transfer efficiency by reducing reflections at the antenna-tissue interface.

[0007] Despite these technological advances, there remains an unmet need for affordable, effective hyperthermia devices that combine miniaturized dimensions, focused energy delivery, uniform heat distribution, and heat management functions for safe and precise breast cancer treatment, particularly in regions with limited access to advanced cancer therapies.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved hyperthermia applicator system that overcomes these limitations and offers greater therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of breast cancer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a system for the hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer. It comprises a miniaturized, G-shaped microstrip patch antenna operating at 434 MHz, housed in an aluminum chamber. The system integrates a coaxial feed line with a 50-ohm impedance match, a strategically positioned polyethylene film as a dielectric barrier, and a bolus of deionized water for heat regulation and impedance matching. The G-shaped antenna configuration achieves compact dimensions of 3.6 cm × 3.8 cm × 1.6 cm with a return loss of -23.10 dB and a directivity of 5,009 dBi at the operating frequency. This enables directional electromagnetic radiation delivery to the breast tissue for localized tumor heating.

[0010] This disclosure relates to an antenna-based system for the hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer. The system comprises: a G-shaped microstrip patch antenna with dimensions of 3.6 cm × 3.8 cm × 1.6 cm, designed for operation at an ISM frequency of 434 MHz; an aluminum hollow chamber for housing the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna; a coaxial cable for impedance matching (50 ohms) to the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna; and a bolus of deionized water surrounding the aluminum hollow chamber, which also serves as a cooling medium to regulate the skin surface temperature. Furthermore, the bolus reduces the formation of hotspots and improves the radiation efficiency of the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna. A polyethylene film between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna and the bolus of deionized water prevents interference between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna and a breast tissue model.

[0011] The subject of the present disclosure is the provision of an antenna-based system for hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer.

[0012] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a miniaturized hyperthermia applicator system capable of delivering focused electromagnetic energy at 434 MHz for the effective treatment of breast cancer with improved penetration depth and reduced physical dimensions for clinical applications.

[0013] Another objective of the present disclosure is to improve the directivity and unidirectional radiation pattern, thereby minimizing electromagnetic disturbances to the surrounding healthy tissue while maximizing the energy supply to the target tumor regions.

[0014] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an integrated thermal management system that utilizes a bolus of deionized water, which simultaneously serves as an impedance matching medium to reduce power reflection and as a cooling medium to prevent overheating of the skin surface during hyperthermia treatment.

[0015] However, another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a scalable applicator design that can be configured in array arrangements to enable comprehensive treatment of breast tumors of varying sizes and locations.

[0016] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, the invention is described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings merely show typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be understood as limiting its scope of protection. The invention is described and explained in more detail and with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE IMAGES

[0017] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which identical symbols represent identical parts, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an antenna-based system for hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 shows a G-shaped microstrip patch antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 shows the side view of the antenna with coaxial feed line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 4 shows a diagram illustrating an antenna and a tissue phantom surrounded by acrylic plates, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the elements in the drawings are simplified and not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the process by highlighting the main steps to facilitate understanding of this disclosure. With regard to the construction of the device, one or more components may be represented in the drawings by conventional symbols. The drawings may show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to clutter the drawings with details that are already apparent to those skilled in the art from the description contained herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0019] To facilitate understanding of the principles of the invention, reference is made below to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, which is described using specific terms. It is understood, however, that this does not limit the scope of protection of the invention. Rather, modifications and further developments of the illustrated system, as well as further applications of the inventive principles depicted therein, are conceivable, insofar as they would typically occur to a person skilled in the art in the field of the invention.

[0020] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not to be understood as a limitation of it.

[0021] References to “an aspect”, “another aspect”, or similar phrases in this description mean that a particular feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, phrases such as “in one embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar expressions in this description may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0022] The terms "includes," "comprehensive," or similar expressions denote non-exclusive inclusion. Thus, a procedure or method containing a list of steps does not only include those steps but may also include further steps not explicitly listed or inherent in the procedure or method. Likewise, the statement "includes..." for one or more devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components, without further limitations, does not preclude the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings generally known to those skilled in the art in the field to which this invention belongs. The systems, methods, and examples described herein serve only for illustration and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an antenna-based system for hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] The system according to Fig. 1 comprises: a G-shaped microstrip patch antenna (102) with dimensions of 3.6 cm × 3.8 cm × 1.6 cm, designed for operation at an ISM frequency of 434 MHz; an aluminum hollow chamber (104) for housing the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna (102); a coaxial feed line (106) for impedance matching of the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna (102) to 50 ohms; a bolus of deionized water (108) surrounding the aluminum hollow chamber (104), which also serves as a cooling medium to regulate the skin surface temperature, reduce hotspots, and improve the radiation efficiency of the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna. and a polyethylene film (110) positioned between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna (102) and the bolus of deionized water (108) to prevent interference between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna (102) and a breast tissue phantom.

[0027] In one embodiment, the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna (102) is configured to provide a larger effective field size of electromagnetic radiation within the breast tissue phantom compared to conventional microstrip patch antennas, wherein the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna (102) is configured to emit energy in a unidirectional pattern with a main lobe directed towards the breast tissue phantom.

[0028] In one embodiment, the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna (102) has a reduced thickness and miniaturized dimensions to enable compact integration into the aluminium hollow chamber and to improve portability for clinical applications.

[0029] In one embodiment, the coaxial feed line (106) is configured to carry electromagnetic energy from an external source to the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna (102), and the impedance matching at 50 ohms is configured to minimize signal reflections and maximize power transmission efficiency.

[0030] In one embodiment, the bolus of deionized water (108) has electrical properties that are essentially similar to those of the human dermis, and the bolus of deionized water (108) is configured to minimize impedance mismatches at dielectric interfaces between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna (102) and the breast tissue phantom.

[0031] In one embodiment, the bolus of deionized water (108) has a high heat capacity and is configured to dissipate excess heat during hyperthermia treatment to prevent skin damage.

[0032] In one embodiment, the polyethylene film (110) has a thickness designed to optimize electromagnetic field transmission while preventing direct contact between the bolus of deionized water and the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna.

[0033] In one embodiment, the aluminum hollow chamber (104) is configured to provide electromagnetic shielding; and the aluminum hollow chamber is configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation from the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna to the breast tissue phantom.

[0034] In one embodiment, the system (100) is configured to locally heat cancerous tissue while minimizing thermal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. The system is configured to generate electromagnetic radiation directed at cancerous tissue in the breast. Furthermore, the system is configured to achieve a return loss parameter S11 of -23.10 dB at 434 MHz and a directivity of 5,009 dBi.

[0035] In one embodiment, multiple systems are configured to be arranged in an array configuration around a breast to ensure comprehensive hyperthermia treatment of tumors.

[0036] The present invention describes a system for the hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer. It comprises a G-shaped microstrip patch antenna in an aluminum cavity, operating at 434 MHz. The system includes a coaxial feed line with 50-ohm impedance matching, a polyethylene dielectric film between the antenna and a bolus of deionized water, and a breast tissue phantom for targeting. The G-shaped antenna achieves miniaturized dimensions of 3.6 cm × 3.8 cm × 1.6 cm while simultaneously delivering optimal performance with a return loss of -23.10 dB and a directivity of 5,009 dBi. The bolus of deionized water fulfills two functions: it serves to impedance-match to the biological tissue in order to minimize power reflections at dielectric interfaces, and it provides thermal regulation through its high heat capacity to cool the skin surface and reduce hotspots.The polyethylene film prevents electromagnetic interference while enabling efficient energy transfer. The hollow structure enhances directional control by focusing the electromagnetic radiation unidirectionally onto the target tissue. The system is scalable and allows for the arrangement of multiple applicators in arrays for comprehensive tumor coverage. This configuration enables precise, localized heating of cancerous tissue while protecting surrounding healthy tissue, thus providing an effective, safe, and cost-efficient solution for hyperthermia therapy in breast cancer.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a G-shaped microstrip patch antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows the side view of the antenna with coaxial feed line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4 shows a diagram illustrating an antenna and a tissue phantom surrounded by acrylic plates, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] In relation to Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig.A G-shaped antenna is presented, housed in an aluminum chamber probe with a coaxial feed line and a 50-ohm impedance matching. The proposed antenna operates at an ISM frequency of 434 MHz. Its dimensions have been miniaturized to 3.6 cm × 3.8 cm × 1.6 cm to improve its suitability for hyperthermia applications. For example, the antenna is suitable for treating breast cancer patients. The applicator was immersed in deionized water and analyzed using a phantom simulating the properties of the breast. It achieves a remarkable S11 value of -23.10 dB at exactly 434 MHz and a directivity of 5,009 dBi. The antenna can be described as unidirectional, since its main beam radiates energy primarily in one direction, thus optimizing its performance for targeted breast cancer treatments.This work on a single-phase antenna can be used to develop an applicator array that surrounds the breast and treats tumors. This work was performed using CST 2019 software.

[0041] In such an implementation, the microstrip antenna can be miniaturized, its thickness and size varied by different frequencies, and the array type improved. In addition to these advantages, the effective field strength of the electromagnetic field within the phantom is significantly increased, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the antenna system.

[0042] In one embodiment, a carefully selected polyethylene film of thickness "t" serves as a strategic partition between the antenna unit and the deionized water to achieve optimal performance and thus prevent potential interference with the tissue phantom. A water bolus reduces hotspots and improves the antenna's radiation efficiency. Water is an ideal medium for this function for two reasons. First, the electrical properties of water are similar to those of human dermis. This proximity allows the delivered energy to reach the tumor without encountering impedance differences or wavelength deviations at dielectric interfaces. Such mismatches and alterations typically lead to reflections and the formation of hotspots, thereby reducing treatment effectiveness. Water minimizes these undesirable effects and ensures that the energy reaches its target with minimal loss or distortion.Secondly, water has a high heat capacity and is therefore an ideal coolant for the skin surface. This property is particularly useful in hyperthermia, where skin temperature regulation is crucial for patient comfort and safety. Water acts as a coolant, dissipating excess heat during treatment and thus reducing skin damage or pain.

[0043] The present invention provides a system for the hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer that offers several technical advantages over conventional hyperthermia applicators. The system is characterized by significant miniaturization: The G-shaped microstrip patch antenna measures only 3.6 cm × 3.8 cm × 1.6 cm and is therefore considerably smaller than conventional patch antennas operating at 434 MHz. At the same time, optimal electromagnetic performance is maintained. The G-shaped geometry ensures improved current distribution along the radiation edges, resulting in greater field homogeneity and more precise energy delivery to the target tissue. The aluminum cavity chamber ensures unidirectional radiation characteristics, effectively suppresses back-emission, and focuses the electromagnetic energy onto the breast tissue phantom.This directional control minimizes unwanted electromagnetic interference with surrounding healthy tissue while maximizing therapeutic energy delivery to the tumor area. The system exhibits excellent electrical performance with a return loss of -23.10 dB at 434 MHz, indicating minimal power reflection and highly efficient impedance matching. The achieved directivity of 5,009 dBi allows for sufficient penetration depth to treat subcutaneous tumors while maintaining focused energy distribution within the target area. The integrated deionized water bolus provides the system with a dual function. The electrical properties of deionized water closely match those of human dermis, minimizing impedance jumps at dielectric interfaces and reducing power reflections that would otherwise lead to hotspots.Simultaneously, the high heat capacity of the deionized water bolus ensures effective thermal management by dissipating excess heat from the skin surface and preventing thermal damage during treatment. The polyethylene film positioned between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna and the deionized water bolus acts as a strategic dielectric barrier, preventing electromagnetic interference while ensuring efficient energy transfer to the breast tissue phantom. This configuration optimizes the electromagnetic coupling between the antenna system and the biological tissue. The system operates at 434 MHz in the ISM band, thus providing an optimal balance between tissue penetration depth and energy absorption. This frequency selection enables the effective treatment of subcutaneous breast tumors while complying with regulatory standards for electromagnetic radiation in medical devices.The system's modular design allows for scalability to various array configurations. Multiple applicator units can be arranged in a phased array to envelop breast tissue, ensuring comprehensive treatment of tumors of varying sizes, locations, and geometries. This scalability extends therapeutic applicability beyond the treatment of individual areas. The system has been validated through simulations using breast tissue phantoms with realistic dielectric properties and has demonstrated its practical applicability in clinical practice. The use of standardized, tissue-like phantoms ensures that the electromagnetic field distribution and heating patterns accurately reflect in vivo treatment conditions.The compact dimensions, unidirectional radiation pattern, efficient heat management, and excellent impedance matching enable the system to precisely heat cancerous tissue locally while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. This offers a safe, effective, and economical solution for hyperthermia therapy in breast cancer, particularly in regions with limited access to modern cancer treatment technologies.

[0044] The hyperthermia treatment system for breast cancer presented here holds significant commercial potential in various segments of the medical device market. It addresses a pressing need for cost-effective, non-invasive hyperthermia treatments specifically for breast cancer therapy. Its miniaturized dimensions and simplified design reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining clinical efficacy, thus enabling market penetration in resource-constrained healthcare settings where breast cancer incidence is rising, yet access to advanced treatment options remains limited. Superior electrical performance characteristics, including a return loss of -23.10 dB and a directivity of 5,009 dBi, offer measurable therapeutic benefits through targeted heating with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.These performance indicators directly lead to improved patient outcomes and support clinical application and reimbursement. The 434 MHz operating frequency in the ISM band ensures compliance with regulatory requirements in various countries and accelerates the path to clinical trials and approval. System validation using breast tissue phantom simulations provides comprehensive documentation demonstrating the safety and efficacy evidence required for approval. The scalable architecture, which allows for array configurations, expands commercial applications beyond the single treatment of breast cancer. The basic system design can be adapted to treat various malignancies in different anatomical locations, thereby expanding the addressable market and creating opportunities for product extensions.The modular design of the system components—G-shaped microstrip patch antenna, aluminum cavity chamber, coaxial cable, polyethylene film, and deionized water—enables standardized manufacturing processes and quality control, supporting cost-effective production scaling to meet market demand. The integration of established technologies (microstrip antenna design, cavity structures, impedance matching techniques) with novel geometric configurations (G-shaped radiation element) provides a defensible intellectual property position while leveraging mature manufacturing capabilities, thereby reducing technical risk for business partners and investors. The system's potential market includes hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and specialized hyperthermia clinics worldwide, with particular opportunities in emerging markets where breast cancer diagnosis rates are rapidly increasing.The combination of clinical efficacy, economic accessibility and compliance with regulatory requirements positions this system as an economically viable innovation in the expanding field of adjuvant cancer therapies.

[0045] The drawings and the preceding description illustrate embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the described elements can be combined to form a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements can be divided into several functional elements. Elements of one embodiment can be added to another. For example, the process sequences described here can be modified and are not limited to the manner described herein. Furthermore, the actions of a flowchart need not be performed in the sequence shown; nor do all actions necessarily need to be carried out. Actions that do not depend on other actions can be performed in parallel with the other actions. The scope of protection of the embodiments is in no way limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly stated in the description or not, such as...Differences in structure, dimensions, and materials are possible. The scope of protection of the embodiments is at least as comprehensive as described by the following claims.

[0046] The advantages, other benefits, and problem solutions have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, the advantages, benefits, problem solutions, and any components that can effect or enhance an advantage, benefit, or solution are not to be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or components of the claims. REFERENCES 100 An antenna-based system for hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer. 102 G-shaped microstrip patch antenna 104 Aluminum hollow chamber 106 Coaxial cable 108 Bolus of Deionized Water 110 Polyethylene film

Claims

[1] An antenna-based system for hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer, consisting of: a G-shaped microstrip patch antenna configured for operation at an ISM frequency of 434 MHz and having dimensions of 3.6 cm × 3.8 cm × 1.6 cm; an aluminum cavity chamber to accommodate the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna; a coaxial feed line configured to allow an impedance matching of 50 ohms to the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna; a bolus of deionized water configured to surround the aluminum cavity chamber, wherein the bolus of deionized water is further configured to serve as a cooling medium for controlling the skin surface temperature, and wherein the bolus of deionized water is further configured to reduce hotspots and improve the radiation efficiency of the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna; and A polyethylene film was positioned between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna and the bolus of deionized water to prevent interference between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna and a breast tissue phantom. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna is configured to provide an increased effective field size of electromagnetic radiation within the breast tissue phantom compared to conventional microstrip patch antennas, wherein the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna is configured to radiate energy in a unidirectional pattern with a main lobe directed towards the breast tissue phantom. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna has a reduced thickness and miniaturized dimensions to enable compact integration into the aluminium hollow chamber and to improve portability for clinical applications. [4] System according to claim 1, wherein the coaxial feed line is configured to supply electromagnetic energy from an external source to the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna; and the impedance matching at 50 ohms is configured to minimize signal reflection and maximize power transmission efficiency. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the bolus of deionized water has electrical properties that are essentially similar to those of the human dermis; and the bolus of deionized water is configured to minimize impedance mismatches at dielectric interfaces between the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna and the breast tissue phantom. [6] System according to claim 1, wherein the bolus of deionized water has a high heat capacity and is configured to dissipate excess heat during hyperthermia treatment to prevent skin damage. [7] System according to claim 1, wherein the polyethylene film has a thickness configured to optimize electromagnetic field transmission while preventing direct contact between the bolus of deionized water and the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna. [8] System according to claim 1, wherein the aluminium hollow chamber is configured to provide electromagnetic shielding and directs the electromagnetic radiation from the G-shaped microstrip patch antenna to the breast tissue phantom. [9] System according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to locally heat cancerous tissue while minimizing thermal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue, wherein the system is configured to generate electromagnetic radiation directed at cancerous tissue in the breast, and wherein the system is further configured to achieve a return loss parameter S11 of -23.10 dB at 434 MHz; the system is configured to achieve a directivity of 5.009 dBi. [10] System according to claim 1, wherein multiple systems are configured to be arranged in an array configuration around a breast to ensure comprehensive hyperthermia treatment of tumors.

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