Hyperthermia Blog

News and Opinions About Our Industry

Image-Guided Thermal Therapy is shown to be highly consistent over various MRI platforms. Currently, there are five image-guided hyperthermia systems treating patients in Europe. A recent quality assurance validation study was published in the International Journal of Hyperthermia comparing heating patterns of the Sigma Eye-MR applicator among different models of MRI systems. See Full Article - "A multi-institution study: comparison of the heating patterns of five different MR-guided deep hyperthermia systems using an anthropomorphic phantom." Curto et al.

Comparing MRI system with the Pyrexar BSD-2000 3D/MR Sigma Eye Applicator

Using the five sites in comparison, the study found accuracy and continuity between the systems, no matter which imaging system was used. "These three MR systems from GE, Philips, and Siemens represent a growing family of OEM imaging systems proven compatible with the BSD-2000 3D/MR hyperthermia system." Says Jason Ellsworth, VP Engineering. "We continue to evaluate new imaging systems from various manufacturers as requested for new installations, focusing mainly on the 1.5T MR with a 60-70cm bore."

MRI slide progression strip of the heating of a cancer tumor

The BSD-2000 3D/MR Image-Guided Hyperthermia system uses data from MRI taken throughout the hyperthermia treatment to create a pinpoint temperature map.  The data, when compared to the previous scan, is used to form a three-dimensional temperature map. "Essentially, every pixel on the screen represents a discrete changing temperature measurement," says Pyrexar CTO Paul Turner. "This results in tens of thousands of temperature data points in every slice taken."

Radiation Technicians monitoring the process of a Pyrexar hyperthermia cancer treatment

By having a real-time image of the tumor site with a temperature overlay, the operator can ensure that the tumor is within the prescriptive target temperature threshold during the entire treatment. The heat zone's repositioning due to patient discomfort or patient movement can be retargeted with a touch of the screen. 

Related Article: Quantitative, Multi-institutional Evaluation of MR Thermometry Accuracy for Deep-Pelvic MR-Hyperthermia Systems Operating in Multi-vendor MR-systems Using a New Anthropomorphic Phantom, by Sergio Curto, et al