[Hyperthermia as cytotoxic and radiosensitizing agent: cellular effects--a review]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Hyperthermia is a method to kill cancer cells or enhance radiation therapy.
• The effects of hyperthermia are temperature-dependent, necessitating precise temperature measurement.
• Hyperthermia exhibits selective cytotoxicity towards radioresistant cells, such as hypoxic cells or cells in late DNA synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the dual effects of hyperthermia (cytotoxic and radiosensitizing) on mammalian cells.
• To elucidate the mechanisms of cell death induced by hyperthermia and radiotherapy.
• To provide recommendations for clinical practice regarding the application of hyperthermia in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing data on hyperthermia effects on mammalian cells.
• Analysis of temperature-dependent cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effects.
• Examination of the interaction between hyperthermia and radiotherapy.

Main Results:

• Hyperthermia can be used to kill cells or enhance radiation therapy, with effects varying by temperature.
• The cytotoxic effect is more pronounced at certain temperatures, targeting radioresistant cells.
• Hyperthermia can sensitize cells to radiation by interfering with post-radiation recovery processes.

Conclusions:

• Temperature selection is critical for achieving either cytotoxic or radiosensitizing effects.
• For radiosensitization, hyperthermia should follow radiotherapy to leverage interaction at the cellular level.
• Combining hyperthermia with radiotherapy frequently is recommended to prevent treatment resistance.