A numerical study on optimization of microwave antenna power for liver cancer therapy enhanced with hybrid magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract

Microwave thermal therapy for liver cancer presents challenges due to the potential for healthy tissue damage. This study explores the use of hybrid magnetic nanofluids to optimize treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Preoperative modeling was employed to determine the optimal nanoparticle type, concentration, and combination for enhanced thermal efficiency. Three magnetic nanoparticles—maghemite, magnetite, and FccFePt—were analyzed, both individually and in hybrid compositions. Results demonstrated that increasing nanoparticle concentration significantly reduced treatment duration and minimized healthy tissue necrosis. At 0.1 % concentration, treatment times for maghemite, magnetite, and FccFePt were 3, 67, and 90 s, with corresponding healthy tissue loss-to-tumor volume ratios of 0.06, 3.08, and 4.36. Lowering the concentration to 0.05 % increased treatment times to 46, 126, and 129 s, raising tissue loss ratios to 1.88, 6.65, and 8.36. Notably, hybrid nanoparticle compositions showed divers but non-uniform effects, with some combinations marginally improving treatment efficacy while others had negligible impact. The hybridization of maghemite and FccFePt reduced necrosis time, but its influence on overall treatment efficiency was inconsistent. These findings underscore the potential of hybrid nanoparticles to enhance microwave ablation therapy; however, they also highlight the complexity of nanoparticle interactions, emphasizing the need for precise selection and concentration optimization to achieve superior treatment outcomes while preserving healthy tissue. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd