Abstract
Background: Since the efficacy of some cytostatic agents can be enhanced by hyperthermia, a pilot study has been performed to examine the feasibility, tolerability, and remission inducing potential of thermo-chemotherapy (TCT) in chemotherapy refractory solid tumours. Patients and Methods: In 19 patients with metastasised adenocarcinomas refractory to standard chemotherapy (breast n = 7, ovarian n = 5, colo-rectal n = 7) and with progressive diseases, a total of 28 TCT-courses with maximal 42.0 to 42.3 °C rectal temperature have been performed using the IRATHERM 2000-heating equipment and have been combined with hyperglycaemia induced lactatacidosis, hyperoxaemia, and simultaneous polychemotherapy according the systemic Cancer Multistep Therapy (sCMT). Results: The IRATHERM 2000-equipment permitted a rapid rise of body-core temperature within 90 to 120 minutes and a high thermal constancy in the plateau phase of 60 to 95 minutes. The TCT treatments according to the sCMT concept proved to be a safe and practicable procedure with good tolerability in experienced hands. Partial remissions (median duration 3, range 1 - 6 months) have been achieved in 9 patients and disease stabilisation in 7 patients. Tumour progression continued in three patients. Side effects were moderate with WHO grade II - III leucocytopenia in 5 patients and grade I - II thrombocytopenia and anaemia in two and 6 patients, respectively. Nausea/vomiting WHO grade II - III has been experienced by 6 patients despite antiemetic prophylaxis. 8 Patients developed thermal dermal lesions of WHO grade I - III. Conclusions: This pilot study has confirmed that the TCT-courses applied are feasible without unexpected complications. They are good tolerable and have shown considerable efficacy. Therefore TCT may represent an effective alternative treatment modality with moderate, well tolerable side effects.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call