Local hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or arterial chemoembolization

Local hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or arterial chemoembolization was performed in 31 patients with malignant tumors using an HTM 3000 heater. The response rate was 41.9%. Fifteen patients with superficial tumors had a high rate of response (60%). Response was particularly good (75%) when radiotherapy was also used. In contrast, the response rate was low (25%) in 16 patients with deep seated tumors. However, the criteria for assessment might not be appropriate. If improvement in symptoms and intratumorous changes were also considered, the therapy was judged to be valuable in 56.3% of the patients. No adverse reactions of concern developed except in some special cases. Hyperthermia with the HTM 3000 heater was safe.