[Present status of hyperthermia in Japan--emphasis on clinical research]

A nationwide survey was conducted by the Japan Society of Hyperthermic Oncology (JSHO) to investigate the present status of hyperthermia in Japan. The results of survey and characteristic clinical research conducted in Japan are described here. 1) In Japan, 185 heating equipment units are in operation at 156 institutes. RF capacitive heating equipment accounts for 60%. 2) Records and registration are complete for 9,000 cases treated by hyperthermia. It is noteworthy that deep-seated tumors account for 60% of the total cases. 3) The percentages of different modalities are as follows: hyperthermia alone, 5.3%; thermoradiotherapy, 57.5%; thermochemotherapy, 22.6%; thermochemoradiotherapy, 14.5%. The present status of hyperthermia is well represented by these percentages. 4) The treatment schedule, indications, and treatment results are almost completely established for a combination of radiotherapy with hyperthermia. 5) Thermochemotherapy is performed at 70% of the surveyed institutes, who expect good treatment results. The JSHO organized a joint research team for thermochemotherapy, and present results are satisfactory. 6) Japan contributes much to the progress of the International Congress of Hyperthermic Oncology. The JSHO presents an ideal environment for research on hyperthermic oncology.