title: Relation between intraprostatic temperature and clinical outcome in microwave thermotherapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study was designed to explore the relation between prostatic temperature and the clinical outcome of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-nine patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were treated. Baseline evaluation included Madsen score, flowmetry, and pressure-flow study. Two fiberoptic thermosensors were placed in the prostate targeted to the region 10 and 20 mm below the bladder neck and 5 to 15 mm lateral to the prostatic urethra. The TUMT was carried out using either the low-energy (2.0) or high-energy (2.5) Prostasoft program. Follow-up was at 6, 12, and 26 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A moderate correlation between intraprostatic temperatures and energy output (r = 0.409; P < or = 0.046) and prostate volume (r = 0.303; P < or = 0.0424) was observed. Outlet obstruction was associated with higher temperatures (obstructed 49.6+/-5.8 v unobstructed 46.1+/-4.2 degrees C; P < or = 0.033). A significant relation between temperature and clinical outcome was found. Patients with intraprostatic temperatures <46 degrees, 46-50 degrees, and < or = 50 degrees C had significant differences in Madsen score change (-50%, -68% and -86%) and in maximum flow rate (+26%, +32%, and +48%). Patients with temperatures >50 degrees C had a significant improvement in obstruction status (86% to 18%). A slight worsening in voiding dynamics was observed in patients with temperatures <50 degrees C.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A significant relation exists between intraprostatic temperatures achieved during TUMT and the clinical outcome. Temperatures in excess of 50 degrees C seem to be associated with a greater improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms and bladder outlet obstruction. These data provide a sound rationale for monitoring intraprostatic temperatures and developing invasive thermometry feedback mechanisms for thermal treatments of BPH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Hammersmith Hospitals Trust and Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK. stclaircarter@compuserve.com
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tubaro
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001831:Body Temperature; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011467:Prostate / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000503:physiopathology; D014554:Urination