Flexible printed circuit boards have been used to create microwave antennas for the delivery of hyperthermia. Employing multiple element arrays of dual concentric conductor apertures driven at either 915 MHz or 433 MHz, these conformal microwave arrays (CMA) provide controlled heating to large areas of superficial disease that are otherwise difficult to treat. A temperature-stabilizing water bolus and non-invasive thermometry ensure safe and effective delivery of heat into the target disease. An elastic outer garment with inflatable air bladder secures the applicator over the target disease and adjusts for surface contours.
Thermobrachytherapy Surface Applicators (TBSA) integrate HDR brachytherapy into CMA applicators to deliver both heat and radiation. The addition of a dielectric spacer and an array of catheters to accommodate moving HDR radiation sources allow for either simultaneous or sequential delivery of heat and radiation using a single applicator. Phase I efforts confirmed the feasibility of using TBSA for chestwall recurrence and identified improvements for clinical utility. Phase II efforts are currently underway to optimize these applicators and develop clinical protocols for their implementation.