Box 1.

Notable variables and parameters in computational models of nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia.

Nanoparticle physical properties

■ Material

– Iron (magnetic and superparamagnetic)

– Gold

■ Size

■ Shape

– Nanospheres

– Nanorods

– Nanoshells

– Agglomerates

Excitation source properties

■ Alternating magnetic fields

– Strength

– Frequency

– Eddy currents

■ Laser sources

– Strength

– Duration

– Frequency

Tissue properties

■ Intrinsic

– Bioheat transfer

– Specific heat of tissue and blood

– Tissue and blood density, tissue thermal conductivity and blood perfusion

– Arterial temperature

– Metabolic heat generation and applied heat

– Shape and heterogeneity

■ Nanoparticles in tissue

– Concentration

– Spatial distribution