Hyperthermic treatment of superficial tumors in cats and dogs

Local current field radiofrequency hyperthermia was applied to 33 superficial tumors in 11 cats and 5 dogs. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the cat was the most frequent tumor treated. Of 19 SCC in cats, 13 (68%) were reduced completely, combining complete and partial tumor reduction, there was an 89% favorable response to hyperthermia for SCC. A small number of other tumors such as fibrosarcoma in the cat and perianal tumors in the dog were favorably responsive. Local current field hyperthermia (50 C for 30 sec) resulted in destruction of tumor tissue as well as normal tissue. However, tissue destruction did not extend more than 2 or 3 mm from the electrodes. Ulcerative superficial tumors exposed to air rapidly reduced in size, and a dry eschar that developed fell off at 17 to 25 days.