Local microwave hyperthermia and irradiation in cancer therapy: preliminary observations and directions for future clinical trials
This report outlies the preliminary experience at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology with hyperthermia and irradiation. Twenty-nine lesions were treated with 400 rad fractions given every 72 hours (twice weekly) for a total dose of 2000 to 4000 rad followed by hyperthermia (2450 MHz or 915 MHz microwaves, 42.0/sup 0/ to 43/sup 0/C, 90 minutes, every 72 hours.) in addition, 6 lesions were treated with three doses of 500 rad followed by hyperthermia and 12 with irradiation alone (three doses of 600, 700 or 800 rad every 72 h). In the lesions treated with 2000 to 4000 rad and heat, nine of 12 recurrent epidermoid carcinomas of the head and neck showed complete regression (75%) and one more than 50% response. Four of five metastatic melanoma nodules showed complete regression of the tumors and one over 80% response. Of nine recurrent adenocarcinoma of the breast nodules in the chest wall treated with 3200 to 4000 rad, five lesions exhibited complete regression and two others about 80%. Four of five metastatic melanoma nodules and three soft tissue sarcomas had complete tumor regression. Of the six lesions treated with 1500 rad and hyperthermia, two metastatic melanomas showed complete regression (CR), and three tumors exhibited partial regression. Despite the fact that the majority of the patients had been previously treated with definitive radiotherapy, the retreatment with moderate doses of irradiation and heat has been well tolerated. Of the 35 sites treated, four (11%) developed blisters, seven (20%) erythema only, three (8%) moist desquamation and 27 (77%) dry desquamation. There has been one instance of severe necrosis of soft tissues in the upper neck, in a patient previously treated with 5000 rad and surgery. Additional clinical trials are warranted to assess the potential value of hyperthermia alone or combined with irradiation in the treatment of selected cancer patients.
- Research Organization:
- Washington Univ., St. Louis, MO
- OSTI ID:
- 6190516
- Journal Information:
- Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 7:6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CARCINOMAS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
HYPERTHERMIA
RADIOSENSITIVITY EFFECTS
MELANOMAS
METASTASES
CELL KILLING
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
ERYTHEMA
FRACTIONATED IRRADIATION
HEMORRHAGE
PATIENTS
RADIATION DOSES
SIDE EFFECTS
SYNERGISM
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY TEMPERATURE
DISEASES
DOSES
IRRADIATION
NEOPLASMS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
RADIATION EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS
550603* - Medicine- External Radiation in Therapy- (1980-)
560151 - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man