Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, United States of America.
Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America.
Phys Med Biol. 2023 Oct 6;68(20). doi: 10.1088/1361-6560/acf98d.
Application of alternating electrical fields (AEFs) in the kHz range is an established treatment modality for primary and recurrent glioblastoma. Preclinical studies would enable innovations in treatment monitoring and efficacy, which could then be translated to benefit patients. We present a practical translational process converting image-based data into 3D rat head models for AEF simulations and study its sensitivity to parameter choices.Five rat head models composed of up to 7 different tissue types were created, and relative permittivity and conductivity of individual tissues obtained from the literature were assigned. Finite element analysis was used to model the AEF strength and distribution in the models with different combinations of head tissues, a virtual tumor, and an electrode pair.The simulations allowed for a sensitivity analysis of the AEF distribution with respect to different tissue combinations and tissue parameter values.For a single pair of 5 mm diameter electrodes, an average AEF strength inside the tumor exceeded 1.5 V cm, expected to be sufficient for a relevant therapeutic outcome. This study illustrates a robust and flexible approach for simulating AEF in different tissue types, suitable for preclinical studies in rodents and translatable to clinical use.
应用交流电(AEF)在 kHz 范围内是治疗原发性和复发性胶质母细胞瘤的一种既定方法。临床前研究将能够实现治疗监测和疗效的创新,从而使患者受益。我们提出了一种实用的转化过程,即将基于图像的数据转换为用于 AEF 模拟的 3D 大鼠头部模型,并研究其对参数选择的敏感性。创建了五个由多达 7 种不同组织类型组成的大鼠头部模型,并从文献中获得了各个组织的相对介电常数和电导率,并对其进行了赋值。使用有限元分析来模拟不同头部组织、虚拟肿瘤和电极对组合模型中的 AEF 强度和分布。模拟允许针对不同的组织组合和组织参数值对 AEF 分布进行敏感性分析。对于一对 5 毫米直径的电极,肿瘤内的平均 AEF 强度超过 1.5 V/cm,预计足以获得相关的治疗效果。本研究说明了一种在不同组织类型中模拟 AEF 的强大而灵活的方法,适用于啮齿动物的临床前研究,并可转化为临床应用。