Radiofrequency (RF) capacitive hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of abdominal and pelvic deep-seated tumors.
Thermal parameters and tumor response were determined in 33 abdominal and pelvic deep-seated tumors which were treated with hyperthermia in combination with radiation therapy. Hyperthermia was applied regionally for a total of 3-14 sessions (mean; 6.4 sessions), using an 8 MHz radiofrequency (RF) capacitive heating device. An average tumor temperature (Tav) of more than 42 degrees C was achieved in 17 (52%) tumors, and intratumor temperatures above 42 degrees C could be maintained for more than 20 min (effective heat session) in 103 (52%) of the 198 heat sessions. Of the 33 tumors, 4 tumors exhibited complete regression (CR), 7 PRa (80-99% regression), 7 PRb (50-79% regression) and 15 NR (less than 50% regression). Tumor response (CR + PRa) was apparently dependent on the thermal parameters. Tumors with Tav of more than 42 degrees C or those receiving more than three effective heat sessions showed a significantly higher response rate than those heated less effectively. This trend was also noted in minimum tumor temperature. As to radiation dose, most of the responders received a total of 60-70 Gy irradiation. The two characteristic features in tumor response in effectively heated tumors, were slow tumor regression and appearance of an intratumor low density area on post-treatment computed tomography.
Nishimura
Y
Y
Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan.
Hiraoka
M
M
Jo
S
S
Akuta
K
K
Nagata
Y
Y
Masunaga
S
S
Takahashi
M
M
Abe
M
M
D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D001831:Body Temperature; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008297:Male; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*