Clinical Hyperthermia and Irradiation: Pilot studies

Authors

John Fazekas
Ted Nerlinger

Abstract

Phase / (February 1979-May 1980) of our hyperthermia pilot study involved 26 carcinoma patients who participated in two treatment protocols: 20 patients received electron beam x-ray therapy plus an average of eight hyperthermia sessions (twice weekly at 42.5°-43.5°C intralesional temperatures for 40 minutes); 17 patients were heated with a 3450 microwave MHz generator in conjunction with surface heating (circulating water bag at 45°C). AGA thermograms assessed superficial blood flow to document heating patterns and forewarned of potential overheating as manifested by superficial burns (blisters). Although our study Is nonrandomized and our patient numbers are small, we noted a complete response (CR) of 50% (6 of 11) among those patients who were being retreated at the chest wall for a recurrence of breast carcinoma following mastectomy and radiation therapy. Among this largest group, the combined response (CR and PR) was an ecouraging 8 of 11, with an average follow-up time of five months. Among the 22 cases that could be evaluated, the response varied; six had a complete response, five a partial response, and 11 a combined response (50%). The results ofthis pilot study are sufficiently encouraging to consider expanding potential eligible cases to include deep-seated tumors within the pelvis, lung apex, or deep muscular (extremity) regions.

Recommended Citation

Fazekas, John and Nerlinger, Ted (1981) "Clinical Hyperthermia and Irradiation: Pilot studies," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 29 : No. 1 , 24-27.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol29/iss1/5