Objective: The use of nanostructures as factors that can accumulate exclusively in tumor cells and convert irradiated energy into heat, as energy converters, has been highly regarded in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to move towards a more realistic treatment planning model with investigating the effect of non-uniform distribution of gold nanoparticles within a tumor and also the cooling effect of large blood vessels, transiting through the tumor, on the temperature changes. Methods: Three-dimensional finite element based model was applied to simulate gold nanoparticle assisted laser-induced hyperthermia in the presence of large blood vessels. Assuming a specified initial location of nanoparticles at the center of the tumor, the mass equation was used to model the nanoparticle distribution. The laser heating was accounted for as a volumetric heat source and calculated using Beer–Lambert law. Furthermore, conjugate heat transfer equations in the tissues and blood were simultaneously solved to predict the temperature distribution. Results: The numerical model can predict the optimal laser intensity for a specified time interval between the diffusion of nanoparticles and laser irradiation. Conclusion: We show that the distribution of nanoparticles and the effect of large blood vessels embedded in the treatment region have a great influence on the distribution of heat and the degree of damage caused. Significance This model by considering important aspects of hyperthermia treatment simultaneously, is more accurate and more complete than the existing ones in predicting the amount of injury and defining the optimal treatment parameters before the surgery.

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