Tumor localization using magnetic nanoparticle-induced acoustic signals

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide, especially in developed countries. Early detection of cancer can greatly increase both survival rates and quality of life for patients. A magnetoacoustic-based method had been previously proposed for early tumor detection, in a minimal invasive procedure, using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). This paper presents a supporting localization algorithm that can provide the clinician with essential tumor location data and could enable a sequential biopsy. It provides localization algorithm development, as well as its validation in both computerized simulations and in vitro experiments. Three-dimensional (3-D) tumor localization is demonstrated with an error of 2.14 mm and an overlapping volume of 84% of the actual tumor. The obtained results are promising and prove the feasibility of tumor localization using a time difference of arrival algorithm along with a magnetoacoustic detection scheme.