[Repeated irradiation of recurrent head and neck tumors using hyperthermia]

The authors presented an analysis of immediate and short-term results of therapy of 115 patients on thermoradio- and chemotherapy for recurrent head and neck tumors. Triple irradiation at single focal doses of 10 Gy at one-week intervals between fractions were employed taking into account radioresistance of recurrent tumors. After each session of irradiation the patients received polychemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, methotrexate) for 2 days. Local MWF-hyperthermia was provided before a session of irradiation and during drug administration. Complete or partial tumor regression was noted in 94% of the patients with the resultant improvement in their general status. The 3-year disease-free interval was noted in 41% of the patients. Radiation changes were restricted to atrophy of the skin and mucous membranes and stable disorders of salivation.