title: Hyperthermia in the treatment of cancer.
abstract: There is now considerable evidence that heat can be used to destroy tumours. The metabolism of many types of cancer cell is selectively damaged at temperatures of 42-43 degrees C, and deficient tumour blood-flow at raised temperature represents a further exploitable Achilles heel. A striking feature of tumour heating is that metastases may regress with cure of the host; this has occurred with recurrent melanoma and sarcomas of the limbs. Heat acts synergistically with X-rays and some cytotoxic drugs to increase the therapeutic ratio for local tumour control. Guidelines for tumour heating are now being formulated against a strong experimental background in animal systems. The association of a wide variety of disciplines from oncology to electronics has already resulted in techniques for selectively treating human tumours at 50 degrees C and in internal heat applicators for insertion via natural passages. It is predicted that heat will achieve a place, most likely as an adjuvant, in cancer therapy. Work on animals and in vitro is of limited value in helping to define this place. The complexity of the tumour/host response to heat and the deficiencies in our knowledge of the biophysics of heating militate against early routine application of hyperthermia in the clinic.
mesh_terms: D001407:Bacillus; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010478:Chemotherapy, Cancer, Regional Perfusion; D003609:Dactinomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003972:Diathermy / Q000379:methods; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D008545:Melanoma / Q000628:therapy*; D008558:Melphalan / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000628:therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D013291:Streptococcus; D014964:X-Ray Therapy
chemical_list: D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D003609:Dactinomycin; D008558:Melphalan