Regional hyperthermia - a feasibility study

In our department a feasibility study was initiated to evaluate heating equipment and tolerance to treatment in tumours at half depth and depth. 17 patients with tumours in half depth (about 3 to 7 cm under the surface) of different anatomical regions and ten patients with deep seated tumours of the pelvis (about 7 cm under the surface) have been treated. Patients had locally advanced tumours considered to be unlikely to respond to standard therapy. Temperatures between 42 and 480C were reached in nearly 55% of the treatments and could be maintained for a prolonged period. Half deep seated tumours can be sufficiently heated with the Mono-Horn or Dual-Horn applicator at lower frequencies (80 to 180 MHz). With regard to the homogeneity of the tumour temperature the techniques of heat supply further must be improved. Acute side reactions observed in both treatment of half deep and deep seated tumours were relatively mild. (orig./MG)