Normal tissue response to localized deep microwave hyperthermia in the rabbit's prostate: a preclinical study

Experiments were performed to determine the response of normal tissues of the rectal cavity and the prostate to localized 2.45 GHz microwave deep hyperthermia. Hyperthermia at 43 degrees C was delivered by means of a coaxial probe in the rectal cavity for 30 min. once or twice at an interval of 2 days. Normal tissues of the rectum, urinary bladder, and prostate were histologically examined up to three months after treatments. In almost all of the treated animals no tissue and organ injury resulted from localized deep hyperthermia at 43 degrees C. This treatment appears to be safe for the treatment of carcinoma of the prostate.