The use of microwaves (MW) for thermal cancer treatment began in the late 1970s. At first, hyperthermia was induced by using single antennas applied interstitially. This was followed by arrays of multiple interstitial antennas driven synchronously at 915 or 2450 MHz. This early work focused on hyperthermia as an adjuvant therapy, but more recently has evolved into a thermally ablative monotherapy. Increased power required to thermally ablate tissues required additional developments such as internally cooled antennas. Larger tumours have also been ablated with MW antenna arrays activated synchronously or non-synchronously. Numerical modelling has provided clinical treatment planning guidance and device design insight throughout this history. MW thermal therapy systems, treatment planning, navigation and image guidance continue to evolve to provide better tools and options for clinicians and patients in order to provide targeting optimisation with the goal of improved treatment for the patient and durable cancer eradication. This paper reviews the history and related technological developments, including antenna design, of MW heating for both hyperthermia and ablation.
Keywords: Thermal therapy; cooled antennas; interstitial; microwave ablation; microwave hyperthermia; synchronous arrays; treatment planning.