Feasibility of Induction Heating Using a Sintered MgFe₂O₄ Needle for Minimally Invasive Breast Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Background: This study investigated a novel approach for tumor ablation therapy using an alternating magnetic field combined with a sintered MgFe₂O₄ needle. This method differs from radiofrequency ablation (RFA) by dielectric heating with regard to the heating mechanism and improves some weak points of these conventional thermotherapies. Materials and Methods: Nude mice mimicking human breast cancer BT474 were treated using this method. The extent of tumor death was assessed after ablation. Results: Staining with hematoxylin and eosin showed gradual expansion of the pyknotic area until 48 h after ablation. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase staining also showed complete tumor death by 48 h after treatment. The ablation area was well controlled and reablation was not necessary. The tumor could be completely controlled using this method without any risk of skin burn. Conclusion: This novel ablation therapy appeared to be more effective and less invasive for treatment of breast cancer treatment than RFA.