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Veno-venous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia: case report with perfusion considerations
R A Vertrees1, J B Zwischenberger, L C Woodson
1Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0528, USA. rvertree@utmb.edu
Perfusion
|June 23, 2001
Summary
Whole-body hyperthermia via veno-venous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia (VV-PISH) showed potential for selective cancer cell destruction in advanced lung cancer. While demonstrating tumor shrinkage, the therapy requires careful management due to temporary side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Therapeutic Hypothermia
Background:
- Cancer cells exhibit greater susceptibility to heat-induced destruction than normal cells.
- Optimizing hyperthermia for selective cancer cell kill presents significant technical challenges.
- Veno-venous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia (VV-PISH) was developed to target cancer cells using heat.
Observation:
- A phase-I clinical study investigated the safety and efficacy of VV-PISH in treating advanced lung cancer (Stage III B or IV).
- The VV-PISH technique, using the ThermoChem HT system, induced systemic hyperthermia at 42.5°C for 120 minutes.
- The study documented patient recovery, including intensive care unit stay, ventilator support, and eventual discharge on day 8.
Findings:
- The patient experienced hyperthermia-related shrinkage of lung cancer.
- Despite initial tumor response, the patient ultimately succumbed to disease progression 270 days post-treatment.
- VV-PISH, while effective in inducing hyperthermia, is associated with temporary sequelae and requires hospitalization.
Implications:
- Hyperthermia is a potent therapeutic modality but not without risks; careful management is crucial.
- VV-PISH demonstrates feasibility for inducing systemic hyperthermia in cancer patients.
- Further research and refined management strategies are needed to optimize safety and efficacy of VV-PISH for cancer treatment.