This workshop (september 4th) will focus on cutting-edge research topics in thermal treatments of cancer. Minimally invasive thermal treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, microwave ablation, high intensity focused ultrasound and cryoablation have gained broad clinical acceptance for application in cancer removal. These techniques combine several disciplines such as biomedical engineering, physics, computer science, and medical clinics. The current landscape of this field is changing rapidly with exciting developments bringing together findings from medical community to engineering researchers. The main research directions are devoted to solutions aiming at the design of more selective and safe procedures. This workshop will expand on the main pillars for successful therapy, considering:
- The physics of the main techniques used for cancer ablation
- The main thermometric techniques for the continuous monitor of tissue temperature to have a clear end-point for a complete removal of tumor spearing the surrounding healthy tissue. Special attention will be devoted to ultrasound and fiber optic sensor-based thermometry
- Clinical utility of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)- guidance in minimally invasive thermal techniques
- New frontiers methods for improving the treatment selectivity
- An outlook to the clinical application of these heat-based techniques will conclude the tutorial
The attendees will gain key insights and understandings about the main solutions for improving thermal treatments for applications in oncology, from the preliminary research to the clinical perspective.
