A System for Developing Microwave Induced Hyperthermia in Small Animals

A system for developing microwave induced hyperthermia in small animals is described, for the purpose of assessing the effects of heat alone and heat plus ionizing radiation on normal tissue and tumors. The temperature is monitored using thermistors, and with the use of a scanner, recorded on a single channel recorder. The thermometry technique is still under review. Thermographic studies on a sacrificed animal and thermistor measurements in a phantom reveal a pattern of deep heating in a well defined region. Preliminary biological measurements are presented, but currently long term animal survival remains a problem.