Magnetic fluid hyperthermia therapy for malignant brain tumors--an ethical discussion.
This paper describes the worldwide first nanoparticle-based therapy against brain tumors termed magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) or Nano-Cancer therapy, which now is under investigation in a phase II study. The preliminary results show evidence of a local effectiveness and with only minor to moderate therapy-associated side effects. The evaluation, according to the principles of medical ethics (autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice), supports the further development of the MFH therapy.


BACKGROUND
This paper describes the worlwide first nanoparticle-based therapy of brain tumors through local hyperthermia now under investigation in a phase II study. The preliminary results show effectiveness and only minor to moderate side effects. Further development of this novel therapy is justified.
Müller
Sabine
S
Institute for History, Theory and Ethics of Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany. sabmueller@ukaachen.de
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods*; D008280:Magnetics / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods*