Oncological hyperthermia: The correct dosing in clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biophysics
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Conventional hyperthermia in oncology faces challenges with dose definition, primarily relying on homogeneous temperature control.
• Imprecise temperature control and complex evaluation hinder widespread clinical application of current hyperthermia methods.
• Existing dose concepts in hyperthermia are limited, necessitating a re-evaluation for improved efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the fundamental issues with the conventional, misleading dose concept in oncologic hyperthermia.
• To propose a revised, energy-based dose concept for hyperthermia, drawing parallels with ionizing radiation therapy.
• To advocate for precise nanoscale heating for selective and efficient energy delivery in hyperthermia treatments.

Main Methods:

• Application of Eyring transition state theory to understand thermal effects in hyperthermia.
• Utilizing precise nanoscale heating for targeted energy delivery and avoiding thermal homeostasis.
• Rigorous thermodynamical considerations to redefine hyperthermia dose and terminology.

Main Results:

• Nanoscale heating enables non-isothermal, selective heating of malignant cells with high efficacy and minimal energy loss.
• The study demonstrates that an energy-absorption concept, analogous to ionizing radiation, is more appropriate for hyperthermia.
• Proposed shift from temperature-based to energy-based dosimetry for oncologic hyperthermia.

Conclusions:

• The conventional temperature-based dose definition in hyperthermia is inadequate for precise oncologic treatment.
• An energy-based dose concept, utilizing units like Gray (Gy), is recommended for non-ionizing radiation therapies such as hyperthermia.
• Implementing nanoscale heating offers a more effective and controlled approach to hyperthermia, improving treatment outcomes.