Local hyperthermia and irradiation in cancer therapy

The preliminary experience at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology with hyperthermia and irradiation is reported and current issues in clinical application of heat are reviewed. Twenty-nine lesions were treated with 400 rad fractions given every 72 hr (twice weekly) for a total dose of 2400 to 4000 rad followed by hyperthermia (1450-MHz or 915-MHz microwaves, 42.0 degrees -43 degrees, 90 min, every 72 h). Eight of 12 recurrent epidermoid carcinomas of the head and neck showed complete regression (67%) and one more than 50% response. Of 5 metastatic melanoma nodules treated with irradiation an hyperthermia, 4 (80%) showed complete regression of the tumors an 1 almost complete response. Of 9 recurrent adenocarcinoma of breast nodules in the chest wall treated with 3200 to 4000 rad 5 lesions exhibited complete regression and 2 others about 80%. Of 6 lesions treated with 1500 rad and hyperthermia (RTOG protocol), 2 metastatic melanomas showed complete regression (CR) and 3 tumors exhibited partial regression. Of the 35 sites treated, 4 (11%) developed blisters, 7 (20%) erythema only, 3 (8%) moist desquamation and 27 (77%) dry desquamation. Additional clinical trials are in progress to assess the potential value of hyperthermia alone or combined with irradiation in the treatment of selected cancer patients.