Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
10:23
A Computational Modeling Approach to Investigate the Influence of Hyperthermia on the Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: December 1, 2023
Cervical cancer: radiotherapy and hyperthermia
Jacoba van der Zee1, Gerard C van Rhoon
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Hyperthermia Unit, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.vanderzee@erasmusmc.nl
Summary
Adding hyperthermia (HT) to radiotherapy (RT) significantly improves locoregional control and survival for advanced cervical cancer. This combined treatment is cost-effective and now standard care in the Netherlands.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy research
- Clinical trials
Background:
- Radiotherapy (RT) is the standard treatment for advanced cervical cancer, but locoregional failure rates remain high for stages IIIb and IVa.
- Hyperthermia (HT) has been investigated as an adjunct to RT to improve treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of adding hyperthermia to standard radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical tumors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the Dutch Deep Hyperthermia Trial and five Asian trials investigating the addition of hyperthermia to radiotherapy.
- Comparison of locoregional control, survival rates, and toxicity between radiotherapy alone and radiotherapy plus hyperthermia groups.
Main Results:
- The Dutch trial demonstrated significantly higher 3-year locoregional control and overall survival rates with RT + HT compared to RT alone, without increased toxicity.
- Asian trials showed mixed results, with three demonstrating significant benefits in response rates, locoregional control, and/or disease-free survival.
Conclusions:
- Hyperthermia combined with standard radiotherapy offers significant therapeutic gain and is cost-effective for locally advanced cervical tumors.
- The effectiveness of hyperthermia depends on the use of adequate heating techniques.
Related Concept Videos
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:25Increased Body Temperature
A body temperature above 38°C (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in response to an infection or illness.
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...