Hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer: an initial study

Abstract

The efficacy of chemotherapy alone is still unsatisfactory in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Some kinds of solid tumors have showed good responses to chemotherapy combined with hyperthermia. This study is to investigate the feasibility and the response of hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC. A total of 51 patients with advanced NSCLC were eligible, in which 22 were in group HC, and the other 29 in group C. Patients in the two groups received NP (vinorelbine+cisplatin) or GP (gemcitabine+cisplatin) regimen for 2 cycles. In addition, patients in group HC received local hyperthermia twice a week, up to 12 times. The response rate in group HC was 22.7%, and 13.8% in group C (P > 0.05). The clinical benefit rate in group HC was significantly higher than that in group C (P < 0.05). There was no difference in change of KPS score after treatment between the two groups. Hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy shows good tolerance and response in patients with advanced NSCLC. Further study should be carried out.