Cyril J Ferrer1, Lambertus W Bartels1, Marijn van Stralen1, Chrit T.W Moonen1, and Clemens Bos1
Magnetic
Resonance Imaging-guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound has recently been
suggested as an alternative treatment modality for pancreatic cancer that is
non-invasive, and may be suited for treatment in cases where surgery is not an
option. However, using proton resonance frequency shift based thermometry in this
area is highly challenging, because of motion and air in the digestive tract
near the pancreas. We have shown experimentally that patient preparation by filling the
stomach and duodenum with juice can be a pragmatic solution for more precise
temperature monitoring during MR-HIFU therapy particularly in the head of the
pancreas.