Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of Indirect Cold Atmospheric Plasma for Breast Cancer Treatment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Effective cancer therapy relies on the precise targeting and elimination of malignant cells while preserving the integrity of surrounding healthy tissue. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has emerged as a promising treatment modality, yet its therapeutic efficacy remains incompletely characterized. In this study, we present a comprehensive and quantitative framework to evaluate CAP–tissue interactions using breast tissue-mimicking phantoms, combining experimental dielectric characterization with simulation-based plasma modeling. In addition, we introduce a novel method to assess CAP–tissue interactions through the reflection coefficient ($S_{11}$), enabling detailed characterization of frequency-resolved dielectric responses. Numerical simulations estimate electron densities on the order of$10^{16}$(1/m3), while experimental investigations employ a plasma jet driven by a custom-designed circuit. Voltage and current measurements are analyzed alongside simulation data to estimate electron density, and${S} _{11}$measurements are used to extract impedance and permittivity changes. The results consistently demonstrate that CAP exposure increases${S} _{11}$and impedance while reducing dielectric properties, with effects strongly dependent on input voltage, electrode distance, and treatment duration. This phantom-based framework provides a reproducible and quantitative approach to evaluate CAP effects, establishing a solid foundation for future ex-vivo studies and enabling controlled, noninvasive monitoring of plasma-induced dielectric changes in biologically relevant models.
Authors: Mahsa Keykhali, Keyvan Firuzi
Institution: Middle East Technical University
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4414956264