Image-guided tumor therapy through thermal ablation is now the predominant choice for treating early-stage solid tumors. Currently, the most popular ablation method is radiofrequency (RF) ablation, which is based on the same principle as electrocautery. However, larger tumors are difficult to treat with RF because of its self- limiting heating mechanism and susceptibility to the cooling effect of nearby vasculature. Recent studies from our lab have shown that microwave ablations are capable of overcoming this """"""""heat-sink"""""""" effect and providing a more consistent ablation zone. But the added benefit of better ablative margins comes at the cost of the potential of vascular damage and thrombosis.
The aim of this study is to model the heating effects of microwave energy near blood vessels and correlate the damage from these vessels to the risk of thrombosis through a cost function. We will use numerical modeling analysis to perform a parametric study on a heated vessel, isolating the physiologically-relevant range of vessel diameters, blood flow rates and distances from the ablation zone which can lead to cytotoxic heat transfer (Aim 1). We will then validate the simulation results with a phantom vessel model, incorporating clinical components such as real blood and microwave applicators (Aim 2). Lastly, we will perform ablations near vessels using in-vivo models, allowing us to analyze cytotoxic heat transfer in a complex, clinically-relevant environment (Aim 3). Completion of this project will lead to better understanding of coupling electromagnetic analysis with thermal flow, blood viscosity changes in a high-temperature environment and endothelial damage near microwave ablation zones. The goal of this project is to use the data from the three aims to create a thrombotic risk function. This function will allow physicians to safely guide the placement of a microwave ablation applicator to minimize the risk for a thrombotic event. We will primarily using the liver as our organ of interest, but the data we plan to compile will be clinically useful for the ablation of any solid tumor. As with many of our studies in the past, the proposed work is designed to directly influence patient care in tumor ablation programs world-wide.

Public Health Relevance

Tumor ablation is becoming an increasingly popular option for treating early-stage tumors. This research proposal aims to investigate how cytotoxic heat transfer inside blood vessels can occur with high-powered microwave ablation devices. An important outcome of this study will be the development of a thrombotic risk function which physician can use to avoid damaging vessels and causing a thrombosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Individual Predoctoral NRSA for M.D./Ph.D. Fellowships (ADAMHA) (F30)
Project #
5F30CA165548-03
Application #
8725603
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Damico, Mark W
Project Start
2012-09-06
Project End
2016-06-05
Budget Start
2014-09-06
Budget End
2015-09-05
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Radiation-Diagnostic/Oncology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Francica, Giampiero; Meloni, Maria Franca; Riccardi, Laura et al. (2018) Ablation treatment of primary and secondary liver tumors under contrast-enhanced ultrasound guidance in field practice of interventional ultrasound centers. A multicenter study. Eur J Radiol 105:96-101
Francica, Giampiero; Meloni, Maria Franca; de Sio, Ilario et al. (2018) Biopsy of Liver Target Lesions under Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Guidance - A Multi-Center Study. Ultraschall Med 39:448-453
Meloni, Maria Franca; Chiang, Jason; Laeseke, Paul F et al. (2017) Microwave ablation in primary and secondary liver tumours: technical and clinical approaches. Int J Hyperthermia 33:15-24
Santambrogio, Roberto; Chiang, Jason; Barabino, Matteo et al. (2017) Comparison of Laparoscopic Microwave to Radiofrequency Ablation of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma (?3 cm). Ann Surg Oncol 24:257-263
Chiang, Jason; Nickel, Kwang; Kimple, Randall J et al. (2017) Potential Mechanisms of Vascular Thrombosis after Microwave Ablation in an in Vivo Liver. J Vasc Interv Radiol 28:1053-1058
Chiang, Jason; Cristescu, Mircea; Lee, Matthew H et al. (2016) Effects of Microwave Ablation on Arterial and Venous Vasculature after Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Radiology 281:617-624
Chiang, Jason; Birla, Sohan; Bedoya, Mariajose et al. (2015) Modeling and validation of microwave ablations with internal vaporization. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 62:657-63
Chiang, Jason; Willey, Bridgett J; Del Rio, Alejandro Muñoz et al. (2014) Predictors of thrombosis in hepatic vasculature during microwave tumor ablation of an in vivo porcine model. J Vasc Interv Radiol 25:1965-1971.e2
Chiang, Jason; Wang, Peng; Brace, Christopher L (2013) Computational modelling of microwave tumour ablations. Int J Hyperthermia 29:308-17
Chiang, Jason; Hynes, Kieran A; Bedoya, Mariajose et al. (2013) A dual-slot microwave antenna for more spherical ablation zones: ex vivo and in vivo validation. Radiology 268:382-9

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