[Basic and clinical studies of local hyperthermia for prostatic cancer]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Physics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern.
• Optimizing anticancer drug delivery and efficacy is crucial for treatment success.
• Local hyperthermia is an emerging therapeutic modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of local hyperthermia on prostate temperature, blood flow, and anticancer agent concentration.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of local hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy in prostate cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• 13.56 MHz radio frequency waves were used for local hyperthermia in normal dogs and prostate cancer patients.
• Prostate temperature, blood flow, and tissue drug concentration were measured.
• A clinical trial was conducted on 14 prostate cancer patients (7 fresh, 7 relapsed) treated with hyperthermia and chemotherapy.

Main Results:

• Hyperthermia achieved temperatures over 42°C in most of the prostate, favorable for therapy.
• Prostatic tissue blood flow increased slower than muscle tissue.
• Anticancer agent concentration tended to be higher in hyperthermia-treated prostate tissue.
• Histological findings revealed interstitial edema and congestion.
• Tumor size reduction was observed in 13 out of 14 patients.
• Treatment resulted in 1 Complete Response, 3 Partial Responses, and 10 No Change cases, with no tumor progression.
• Reported side effects (bone marrow suppression, appetite loss, diarrhea, skin burns) were mild and did not halt treatment.

Conclusions:

• Local hyperthermia using RF waves can be safely and effectively applied to the prostate.
• Combining local hyperthermia with systemic chemotherapy enhances anticancer agent delivery and shows therapeutic benefit in prostate cancer.
• This combined approach offers a promising strategy for managing prostate cancer, with manageable side effects.