[Therapeutic effect of whole body hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced cancer].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the short-term efficacy and security of whole body hyperthermia (WBH) combined with chemotherapy for advanced cancer.


METHODS
Different chemotherapy regimens were applied in 138 patients with advanced cancer. Among them, 68 patients (Group A) didn't receive any other therapies. The other 70 patients (Group B) received WBH together with chemotherapy. WBH was maintained at 40 degrees C approximately 42 degrees C for 50 approximately 60 min (once or twice every week and 4 times a cycle).


RESULTS
In Group A, the rate of complete remission (CR) was 2.9%, partial remission (PR) was 36.8%, stable disease was 35.3%, progressive disease was 25.0%, the overall response rate (CR + PR) was 39.7%; while in Group B, the corresponding figures were 5.7%, 52.9%, 25.7%, 25.0%, and 58.6%, respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The rates of III + IV gastrointestinal tract andmyelosuppression toxicities were 26.5% and 16.2% in Group A, while 27.1% and 18.6% in Group B. No significant difference was found.


CONCLUSIONS
WBH combined with chemotherapy is efficient and safe for advanced cancer, and is worth generalizing extensively.
Liu
Xian-ling
XL
Department of Oncology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China. liuxianling3180@yahoo.com.cn
Ma
Fang
F
Zhou
Chun-xiang
CX
Huang
Ming
M
Gong
Hai-yun
HY
Xie
Gui-yuan
GY
Hu
Chun-hong
CH
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome