Hyperthermia

Authors

F. K. Storm

Abstract

This report describes the history of hyperthermia and reviews current forms of treatment at both low (42°-43°C) and higher (<45°C) temperatures. Hyperthermia treatment at low temperatures includes fluid immersion and irrigation, regional perfusion with heated fluids, and electromagnetic radiofrequency waves. Low-temperature hyperthermia has also been combined with radiation therapy and with chemotherapy in recent clinical trials. At higher temperatures, we and other investigators have also had promising, preliminary results in treating tumors safely. With the specialized radiofrequency instrumentation we have developed to apply hyperthermia at any depth without preferential surface tissue heating, further clinical investigation of both superficial and deep internal solid tumors is now possible. Recent data suggest that hyperthermia may be an especially effective form of therapy for larger tumors that resist standard forms of treatment. Clinical trials are now underway to determine the most therapeutic dose/time regimen, to determine toxicity and therapeutic enhancement ratios of combined chemotherapy and x-irradiation with hyperthermia, and to evaluate any changes in the host immune system with such therapies.

Recommended Citation

Storm, F. K. (1981) "Hyperthermia," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 29 : No. 1 , 5-9.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol29/iss1/2