[MRI-controlled regional hyperthermia].
OBJECTIVE
Regional hyperthermia in combination with chemotherapy or/and radiotherapy is a promising treatment concept for locally advanced, deep-seated tumors. The purpose of the project is the optimization of the therapy using non-invasive, three-dimensional imaging of tissue changes or of the temperature distribution during regional hyperthermia.


METHODS
MRI offers methods suitable in principle for tissue characterization and MR thermometry. A new MRI-hyperthermia hybrid system has been developed based on an innovative hyperthermia applicator and an open MRI system.


RESULTS
After successful testing of the new MRI-hyperthermia hybrid system simultaneous MRI and regional hyperthermia in patients could be accomplished for the first time. At present the T1 relaxation time seems to be a promising parameter for MR thermometry.


CONCLUSIONS
The first clinical application of the MRI-hyperthermia hybrid system can be regarded as an important step towards the development of regional hyperthermia. This new hybrid system and the MR thermometry methods have to be investigated prospectively in clinical studies.
Peller
M
M
Institut für Radiologische Diagnostik, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Grosshadern,
Löffler
R
R
Baur
A
A
Turner
P
P
Abdel-Rahman
S
S
Futschik
G
G
Santl
M
M
Hiddemann
W
W
Reiser
M
M
Issels
R
R
D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D016896:Treatment Outcome