The new thermometry with light: fiber optic sensors and novel imaging technologies for monitoring thermal-based therapies for localized tumors

Thermal therapies are energy-based interventions that provide a minimally invasive treatment option for cancer patients who may not be surgical candidates. Being these therapies based on the increase of tissue temperature to achieve tumor necrosis, it is important to assure complete tumor destruction and simultaneous safety by minimizing collateral thermal damage. Thus, the availability of accurate tools for monitoring tissue temperature changes during the treatment and its control represents an important clinical need. This work presents an overview of two main optical tools (i.e., fiber optic sensors and hyperspectral imaging) which are under investigation for thermometry purposes in tumors and organs undergoing thermal therapies.