Approaching Complexity: Hyperthermia Dose and Its Possible Measurement in Oncology

Abstract

A heuristic stochastic solution of the Pennes equation is developed in this paper by applying the self-organizing, self-similar behaviour of living structures. The stochastic solution has a probability distribution that fits well with the dynamic changes in the living objects concerned and eliminates the problem of the deterministic behaviour of the Pennes approach. The solution employs the Weibull two-parametric distribution which offers satisfactory delivery of the rate of temperature change by time. Applying the method to malignant tumours obtains certain benefits, increasing the efficacy of the distortion of the cancerous cells and avoiding doing harm to the healthy cells. Due to the robust heterogeneity of these living systems, we used thermal and bioelectromagnetic effects to distinguish the malignant defects, selecting them from the healthy cells. On a selective basis, we propose an optimal protocol using the provided energy optimally such that molecular changes destroy the malignant cells without a noticeable effect on their healthy counterparts.