Electrical field and current distributions in electrochemotherapy.
Electrochemotherapy is a method for cancer treatment consisting in combining intratumor injection of cytotoxic agent with the application of intensive electrical stimuli. Thus transient cell membranes permeabilization is created, allowing the agent to better exercise its destroying effect. Positive results have been published in the treatment of cutaneous malignant formations and other types of cancer are under consideration. The electrode configurations presently used are based mainly on empirical treatment results. In vivo imaging of stimulation currents was attempted in animal models. A preliminary study revealed that having in view the relatively high voltages and currents, there was a virtually resistive load to the electrical source. Assuming a homogeneous medium, potential and current distributions were modeled and studied. The results could help in selection of specific electrode designs, depending on tumor size and location. An optimization of the voltages and/or currents by different electrode arrays can lead to obtaining desired field distribution.
Brandisky
K
K
Technical University of Sofia, Department of Electrical Engineering, Bulgaria.
Daskalov
I
I
D000465:Algorithms; D004566:Electrodes; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy