Systems and/or methods of using coherent electromagnetic waves to treat tumors and/or other growths

Abstract

Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for using coherent electromagnetic (EM) waves to treat tumors and/or other growths. In certain example embodiments, a growth is imaged. Based on this image, a holographic plate is prepared. Coherent electromagnetic waves are then focused on the holographic plate so that a holographic image of the growth is formed on the actual growth. Magnetic particles may be injected at or proximate to the growth and captured in the EM field corresponding to the holographic image such that these injected particles are caused to congregate in and/or on the growth. In certain example embodiments, bombarding of the growth with the injected particles may help damage or destroy the tumor. In certain example embodiments, the particles, once attached to and/or embedded in the actual growth may be irradiated (e.g., using a microwave or other energy source) so as to further damage or destroy the growth.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of treating a patient having a growth, the method comprising:
 determining characteristics of the growth;   generating a hologram substantially corresponding to the growth based on at least the determined characteristics;   projecting a holographic image on the growth, the holographic image being projected in connection with a substantially coherent electromagnetic wave source;   injecting magnetic particles into the patient; and   causing the magnetic particles to migrate towards the projected holographic image so as to become attached to and/or embedded in the growth.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the characteristics of the growth include the size, shape, and/or placement of the growth. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein at least some of the particles have a size of less than about 10 microns. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein at least some of the particles have a size of from about 3-7 microns. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising irradiating the particles with an energy source so as to at least partially damage and/or destroy the growth. 
     
     
         26 . A system for treating a patient having a growth, comprising:
 a controller configured to generate a hologram corresponding to the growth, the hologram being generated in dependence on characteristics of the growth;   a holographic projection system configured to project a holographic image on the growth, the holographic image being projected in connection with an electromagnetic wave source;   wherein the holographic projection system is further configured to generate a magnetic field in and/or on the growth such that magnetic particles injected into the patient will become attached to and/or embedded in the growth; and   an irradiation system for irradiating the growth and the particles attached to and/or embedded in the growth with an energy source so as to at least partially damage and/or destroy the growth.