[Possibilities of whole-body hyperthermia]

Significant modifications in tissues, even death of cells, are caused by hyperthermia of few degrees centigrade. The extent of these modifications depends on the temperature applied. In a whole-body treatment, only not directly cytotoxic temperatures can be tolerated. The authors compare the methods of induction of whole-body hyperthermia with respect to expenditure, temperature applied, and side effects. Total-body hyperthermia aims at a reinforcement of other tumoricide therapies (radiotherapy, chemotherapy). - A pilot study performed with patients suffering from microcellular bronchial carcinomas, extensive disease, showed that the results of ACO and total-body hyperthermia (41 degrees C) are encouraging as compared with single ACO therapy: complete remission 8/15, partial remission 5/15, no change and progressive disease 2/15, 53-week survival rate 0,5, one-year survival rate 0,53, two-year survival rate 0,18.