Local hyperthermia for treatment of carcinoma of the prostate: a preliminary report

Following extensive experiments on animals, we have concluded a study on the treatment of 15 patients with prostatic carcinoma using localized deep microwave hyperthermia (LDMWH; 2.45 GHZ), either alone or in combination with radiotherapy or hormonal therapy. The results of this pilot trial were encouraging and are herewith presented. A total of 146 LDMWH treatments were given. All patients tolerated the treatments well, and there were no complications; the condition of the rectal mucosa was checked routinely by rectoscopy. A pronounced and rapid subjective and objective response was recorded in all cases, as noted by reduction in tumor size, regression of ureteral or urethral obstruction, disappearance of pelvic pain and improvement in well being. LDMWH was effective by itself and appeared to potentiate the effects of radiotherapy or hormonal therapy. Although LDMWH seems to be a promising and safe new method of treatment of prostatic cancer, either alone or in combination with other accepted forms of therapy, more controlled studies, which are at present underway, are needed to draw more definite conclusions.