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Abstract

A method and apparatus that increases safety when employing externally focused adaptive phased array microwave thermotherapy (hyperthermia) for breast cancer treatment include microwave absorbing pads and metallic shielding to prevent undesired or stray surface tissue heating and to cushion the breast from mechanical pressure during breast compression. The microwave absorbing pads are attached on the top of the microwave waveguide thermotherapy applicators and on top of the breast compression paddles. A metallic-shielding strip mounted across the top portion of the microwave applicator aperture acts to block microwave radiation from illuminating the base of the breast and chest wall area. The patient treatment table utilizes a metallic shield to shield the body from stray microwave radiation. Combined E-field and temperature sensors within a single catheter are used to require only a single minimally invasive skin entry point for E-field focusing and measurement of the tumor temperature. Breast compression is maintained for a period of time following microwave-induced heating to accumulate additional equivalent thermal dose. Treatments incorporating the safety improvements include thermotherapy for early-stage breast carcinomas, locally advanced breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in-situ, and benign breast lesions.

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First Claim