(620bq) Mathematical Model of Nanoparticle Transport in Tumor Vessels Influenced By Radiofrequency Hyperthermia

The treatment for pancreatic and liver cancers has remained relatively unchanged for the last 40 years, with very little improvement in patient outcomes. Radiofrequency hyperthermia (RFH), or the use of electromagnetic fields to generate heat, combined with nanoparticle (NP) drug delivery has shown promise individually in the successful treatment of these two types of cancers. The question proposed by this work is how does RFH affect the transport and margination of nanoparticles? This question will be answered by focusing on mathematically modeling a rigid spherical nanoparticle moving through a blood vessel and the affect RFH has on it. The hypothesis is that RFH enhances NP margination in tumor blood vessels. Here I will present a literature review and preliminary model describing transport of a single, spherical nanoparticle in an electric field. The ultimate goal of my research is a model that will quantify the effect of RFH on NP margination and transport in a tumor blood vessel. Ultimately the results of this research can potentially enable the optimization and tailoring of treatment protocols to individual patients.