3D Stationary electric current density in a spherical tumor treated with low direct current: an analytical solution.

Abstract

Electrotherapy with direct current delivered through implanted electrodes is used for local control of solid tumors in both preclinical and clinical studies. The aim of this research is to develop a solution method for obtaining a three-dimensional analytical expression for potential and electric current density as functions of direct electric current intensity, differences in conductivities between the tumor and the surrounding healthy tissue, and length, number and polarity of electrodes. The influence of these parameters on electric current density in both media is analyzed. The results show that the electric current density in the tumor is higher than that in the surrounding healthy tissue for any value of these parameters. The conclusion is that the solution method presented in this study is of practical interest because it provides, in a few minutes, a convenient way to visualize in 3D the electric current densities generated by a radial electrode array by means of the adequate selection of direct current intensity, length, number, and polarity of electrodes, and the difference in conductivity between the solid tumor and its surrounding healthy tissue.

• Authors: Rolando Placeres Jiménez, Ana Elisa Bergues Pupo, Jesús Manuel Bergues Cabrales, Javier Antonio González Joa, Luis Enrique Bergues Cabrales, Juan José Godina Nava, Andrés Ramírez Aguilera, Miguel Angel O'Farril Mateus, Manuel Verdecia Jarque, Soraida Candida Acosta Brooks
• Journal: Bioelectromagnetics (Bioelectromagnetics) Vol. 32 Issue 2 Pg. 120-30 (Feb 2011) ISSN: 1521-186X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21225889 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Topics

• Electric Conductivity (therapeutic use)
• Electric Stimulation Therapy (methods)
• Electrodes
• Models, Biological
• Neoplasms (therapy)