The Application of Heat in Oncology

Book excerpt: THE APPLICATION OF HEAT IN ONCOLOGY Understand the use of heat to destroy tumors with this comprehensive guide Heat is an indispensable resource in the destruction of cancerous tumors to potentially treat cancers. There are also real challenges, however, involved in the total destruction of tumors without destroying healthy tissue surrounding the tumor in the process. A detailed understanding of the propagation of thermal energy, induced heating, and tissue responses to heat is required to safely and successfully apply heat-based technologies in clinical oncology. The Application of Heat in Oncology supplies this understanding, with a thorough, comprehensive overview of the principle and practice involved. Offering both a detailed introduction to the physics and thermodynamics of induced heat and an analysis of its clinical applications, this is an essential resource for clinicians, technicians, and others in oncological practice. The Application of Heat in Oncology readers will also find: Guidelines for applying heat both safely and effectively Detailed discussion of topics including energy delivery (e.g., via RF, MW, ultrasound, laser, cryoagents, hyperthermia, nanoparticles, etc.), temperature assessment, damage assessment, image guidance, and more Summary of current practice along with suggestions for future areas of technological improvement The Application of Heat in Oncology is ideal for all clinicians working in the field of cancer treatment, including medical students, residents, researchers, engineers, radiologists, surgeons, and more.