Nanoparticle-mediated laser ablation: an integrated phantom experimental-computational framework for selective cancer therapy

Minimally invasive thermal ablation treatments (TATs) offer a promising alternative to conventional cancer therapies, delivering precision and reduced side effects. This study introduces an integrated approach to enhancing laser thermal ablation (LTA) by combining nanoparticle (NP) mediation, thermal monitoring, and advanced numerical modeling. Four types of gold based NPs, i.e., nanorods and nanocages with tunable optical properties, are experimentally tested in agarose-based phantoms to evaluate their effects on LTA technique at a wavelength of 1064 nm, showing potential to selectively enhance heat deposition within tumor tissues while protecting surrounding healthy structures. Laser irradiation was performed with a literature-consistent setting of 3 W power and 120 s of exposure time. These irradiation conditions are selected to reach cytotoxic temperatures while avoiding phantom degradation and allowed for properly showing the differences between NP formulations. Real-time temperature monitoring by Fiber Bragg Grating sensors (FBGs) ensured precise thermal control, with 34 sensors deployed in four arrays and positioned near the laser applicator, at a minimum distance of 2 mm from the laser tip, providing a temperature resolution of 0.1 °C. Among the tested NPs, silver/gold nanocages with absorption maximum located at 816.9 nm exhibit the highest photothermal conversion efficiency. Meanwhile, advanced numerical modeling was employed, integrating the optical and thermal coupled processes, based on the optical diffusion approximation and the dual phase lag model, respectively. The model was refined with empirical data, validating and supporting the approach by predicting thermal mapping. This integrated framework shows promises for achieving selective and effective TAT, paving the way for selective cancer treatments.