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Human tumour pH changes following hyperthermia and radiation therapy
European Journal of Cancer & Clinical Oncology
|May 1, 1984
Summary
Whole-body hyperthermia (WBHT) did not alter human tumor pH. However, local hyperthermia (LHT) combined with radiotherapy significantly increased tumor pH, suggesting potential implications for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Tumor microenvironment characteristics, such as pH, influence treatment efficacy.
- Hyperthermia is a therapeutic modality used in cancer treatment.
- Understanding pH changes during hyperthermia is crucial for optimizing cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure human tumor pH during whole-body hyperthermia (WBHT).
- To assess changes in tumor pH before and after local hyperthermia (LHT) combined with radiotherapy.
- To investigate the impact of different hyperthermia approaches on tumor acidity.
Main Methods:
- Human tumor pH was measured during WBHT at 41.8°C.
- Paired pH measurements were taken before and after combined LHT and radiotherapy.
- Subcutaneous tissue in non-treated areas served as controls.
Main Results:
- WBHT did not induce significant changes in tumor pH across heating, plateau, and cooling phases.
- Tumor pH increased significantly (mean rise of 0.23 pH units) following combined LHT and radiotherapy.
- Control subcutaneous tissues showed no significant pH alterations.
Conclusions:
- The moderate temperatures of WBHT (≤42°C) may explain the lack of pH change.
- Post-local therapy pH rise is likely due to altered tumor oxygenation and blood flow.
- These pH modifications may have significant implications for the management of malignant diseases.