[Hyperthermia in the treatment of cancer]

We have clinically experienced 192 cases of superficial tumors treated by combination hyperthermia and radiation therapy. Analysis of their treatment results has indicated various advantages of this combination therapy, as summarized in the following items. Mutual differences among pathological findings of treatment effectiveness are small. The smaller tumors are more effectively treated. However, even larger tumors more than 10 cm in size have good responses. There is a clear correlation between tumor temperature and treatment results. Even a small dose between 20 and 40 Gy brings a good response, and this is especially recognized in cases of recurrence after radiation therapy. Further studies are yet to be conducted for improvement of the heating device, thermal dose, and thermal mapping.