Radio frequency hyperthermia of advanced human sarcomas

Abstract

Hyperthermia greater than or equal to 42 degrees C is tumoricidal in vitro and in many animal models, although such temperatures have only recently been achieved experimentally in some human cancers. A recently developed radio frequency device that provides safe hyperthermia to any depth without surface tissue injury now permits evaluation of the effects of hyperthermia on advanced human sarcomas. Twelve patients with large sarcomas located intraabdominally [7], in the chest wall [2], proximal extremity [2], and the neck [1], were evaluated in this study. Tumor types include liposarcoma [3], rhabdomyosarcoma [2], leiomyosarcoma [2], neurofibrosarcoma [2], and one each malignant mesothelioma, undifferentiated sarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Intratumor temperatures greater than or equal to 42 degrees C were observed in all tumors, with virtually no normal tissue injury. Selective tumor heating greater than or equal to 45 degrees C occurred in 9/12 (75%) and greater than or equal to 50 degrees C in 6/12 (50%). One to five weekly treatments greater than or equal to 50 degrees C and ten daily treatments greater than or equal to 45 degrees C resulted in significant tumor necrosis and pain relief in some patients. Hyperthermia of advanced sarcomas is possible with little host toxicity and may be of potential therapeutic benefit.

Intraoperative hyperthermic chemotherapy perfusion for malignant pleural mesothelioma: An in vitro evaluation

“…The treatment of cancer by heat has a long history, and reports of hyperthermia and mesothelioma date at least to the early 1970s. 1 Woo and colleagues 2 were the first to report a possible mesothelioma sensitivity to hyperthermia in a fresh mesothelioma biopsy specimen. Others have reported a selectivity of hyperthermia for cancer cells in general.…”

Review on the Use of Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia as a Stand-Alone Therapy in a Palliative Setting: Potential for Further Research?

“…in their study on HT (using microwave heating), with or without EBRT for the management of locally recurrent breast cancer [9]. The use of radiofrequency (RF) heating techniques in HT can be traced as far back as the 1930s [10] with initial reports showing positive results following the application of RF-HT as a stand-alone therapy [11] [12] [13].…”

Results of surgery and radio-hyperthermo-chemotherapy for patients with soft-tissue sarcoma

“…In a study of hyperthermia aimed at local control in 12 patients with soft-tissue sarcomas (3 with liposarcoma, 2 each with rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and neurofibroma, and 3 with other sarcomas), Storm et al 31 reported a histological efficacy rate of 75% (9/12 patients) at a temperature of 45°C or higher, 50% (6/12 patients) at 50°C or higher, and 90% in patients who underwent hyperthermia at 45°C or higher for 10 days. Cancer cells are damaged by 42°C temperatures, while surrounding normal cells are not damaged by 42°C temperatures.…”