Mathematical Modeling of Multilayered Skin with Embedded Tumor Through Combining Laser Ablation and Nanoparticles: Effects of Laser Beam Area, Wavelength, Intensity, Tumor Absorption Coefficient and Its Position

Abstract

Laser ablation is gaining acceptance as a cancer treatment technique because of its localized energy delivery to the tumorous tissue. The combination of laser ablation with nanoparticles allows for more precise targeting of the ablative area with less damage to adjacent healthy tissue. Nevertheless, heat damage to adjacent tissue is still a potential concern. Therefore, mathematical modeling of laser-tissue interactions is a necessary part of clinical treatment planning. In this study, the temperature distribution during laser-induced thermotherapy in cancer treatment investigates using a multilayered skin (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, and muscle) with an embedded tumor model. The effects of related parameters systematically investigate; wavelength, laser intensity, beam area, tumor absorption coefficient, tumor position, tumor blood perfusion rate, and irradiation time. Mathematical modeling in this study is solved by finite element method (FEM) via COMSOLTM Multiphysics Software. Laser absorption and thermal phenomena are described by Beer-Lambert’s law and Pennes’s bioheat equation.