Dermatologic indications for microwave-induced local hyperthermia

The potential utility of a novel microwave device for the treatment of a variety of superficial dermatologic indications is reviewed.

The Swift^® microwave system applies low-dose microwave energy (8 GHz) noninvasively using a precision applicator to directly target lesional tissue, while modulating power setting and application time to maintain patient comfort during heat application. The device has been approved for general dermatology use, with some models labeled more-specifically for HPV-associated lesions and actinic keratosis. New case treatment data and published case reports were reviewed for viral skin infection, fungal nail infection, nodular cystic acne, neoplastic skin lesions, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and intractable plantar keratosis (IPK).

Case reports demonstrate preliminary efficacy of microwave hyperthermia in viral skin infection, fungal nail infection, nodular cystic acne, and neoplastic skin lesions, with few reported adverse events. Microwaves additionally provided good pain control for the reviewed cases of HS and IPK.

The data support a possible role for the microwave device in the studied indications. Microwave treatment may be more tolerable for patients than cryotherapy or laser comparators. More systematic investigation of microwave hyperthermia is warranted to better define optimum dosing regimens and efficacy, as well as a wider safety profile.