Poroelastic modeling of magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia: Effects of infusion-induced tissue deformation on drug distribution and thermal damage

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive poroelastic modeling approach to investigate the effects of infusion-induced tissue deformation on drug distribution and thermal damage during magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) hyperthermia treatment. A three-dimensional computational model of a breast tumor nodule was developed, which incorporated interstitial fluid flow, nanoparticle transport, and heat transfer. The model accounted for the elastic deformation of the soft tissue caused by the infusion pressure at the needle tip. Comparative analyses were performed using a simplified Darcy model to highlight the significance of poroelasticity in capturing complex fluid-structure interactions within the tumor microenvironment. The results revealed that tissue deformation led to the formation of fluid pockets near the infusion site, reducing interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) and altering nanoparticle concentration profiles. Pharmacokinetic assessments using the area under the curve (AUC) indicated that larger nanoparticles with higher initial concentration, enhanced the drug-tissue contact duration, particularly in the tumor region. However, the clustering of nanoparticles within the fluid pockets hinders their magnetic relaxation, leading to a decrease in the specific absorption rate and a delay in thermal damage. This study emphasizes the importance of considering infusion-induced tissue mechanics in the design and optimization of magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia treatments. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between drug delivery, tissue deformation, and thermal therapy, paving the way for more effective and precise cancer treatment strategies.