Therapeutic potential of conformal applicators for induction of hyperthermia.

One of the basic requirements for effective use of hyperthermia in treatment of cancer is the delivery of uniform heat to specific volumes of tissues and maintenance of the optimal temperature for an appropriate period of time. Preliminary results of temperature distribution in volumes of tissue placed between two conformal applicators energized at 2.45 GHz are presented. The applicators consist of a jointed-circuit antenna array comprising a multiplicity of dipoles backed by a metal cavity filled with a powder of high dielectric constant, and separated from the treatment area by a "beanbag" filled with the same powder. Uniform heating could be achieved in a tissue mass confined between two applicators placed 5 cm apart.