Hyperthermia: a potentially useful adjunct to radiation therapy

Extensive laboratory data demonstrate that hyperthermia can render radio-resistant tumor cells sensitive to radiation therapy. Radio-resistant cells are metabolically deprived and are typically hypoxic and at a low pH. Clinical results with the use of hyperthermia and radiation therapy indicate a twofold increase of local control without added morbidity. The clinical application of hyperthermia has been limited to superficial tumors due to the availability of equipment which can successfully heat only up to a few centimeters. Inasmuch as the bulk of clinical practice deals with deep-seated tumors, the clinical utility of hyperthermia remains minimal. A more novel approach, enhancing the technical delivery of heat to deep-seated tumors, is necessary.<>