A full-wave numerical assessment of microwave tomography for monitoring cancer ablation

In this communication, we present a full-wave numerical study aimed at showing the potential of microwave tomography as a tool to monitor microwave ablation of solid tumors. The goal is to track the changes in dielectric properties of the tissue undergoing the treatment, in order to appraise the evolving dimension and shape of the thermally ablated area surrounding the applicator. Such an in-line monitoring capability would entail a significant improvement in the therapeutic effectiveness of cancer treatments exploiting microwave ablation, both in terms of optimization/personalization of the therapeutic protocol and of reduction of unwanted side effects due to the unwanted increase of temperature in healthy tissues. The numerical study involves a scenario inspired by an existing experimental set-up, already used for the ex-vivo assessment of microwave ablation treatments. Hence, the promising results we have obtained, fully motivate us to progress towards the experimental demonstration of the concept in ex-vivo conditions.