Integrated analysis of the potential, electric field, temperature, pH and tissue damage generated by different electrode arrays in a tumor under electrochemical treatment

Abstract

The Electrochemical treatment can be used for local control of solid tumors in both preclinical and clinical studies. In thispaper, an integrated analysis of the spatial distributions of the electric potential, electric field, temperature and pH together withthe acidic and basic areas are computed, via Finite Element Methods, to improve the geometrical description of electrode arraysfor a better electrochemical treatment. These physical quantities are generated by different polarization modes and shapes ofelectrode arrays. Additionally, the equations over a rectangular two-dimensional domain, which represents the tumor tissue, aresolved. The results demonstrate how the electric potential, electric field, temperature and pH distributions depend strongly onthe electrode array. Furthermore, significant pH changes and temperature increments are shown after 60 min of treatment. Thenumerical results agree with the analytical ones reported in the literature. It is concluded that the numerical solution method permitsto make an integral analysis, prediction and rapid visualization of the most important electrochemical variables that take place in tumor destruction, thus, providing the possibility of a more effective therapeutic planning before electrochemical treatment isconducted.