The Action of Short Radio Waves on Tissues: II. Treatment of Animal Tumours in vivo

Abstract

In an earlier paper (1) we described the effects of short radio waves on tissues in vitro. From the studies there reported it was concluded that the action of these waves depended entirely on the production of heat. The present paper deals with experiments in vivo. Earlier work on this subject has already been reviewed in our first paper. Of later publications, the work of Haas and Lob (2) and that of Taylor (3 and 4) may be mentioned: no effect on tumour growth was observed unless the temperature was allowed to rise, and no difference was found in this respect with different wavelengths. Haas and Lob conclude that, since short-wave action is nothing but a heat action, its use for tumour treatment must be considered a retrograde step compared with the methods of surgery or x-rays. With this we do not necessarily agree. Obviously, heat application by short waves is not the same as that by the red-hot iron. In our opinion the properties of short waves are such that they may provide a very efficient weapon in the treatment of tumours in the future, provided a suitable technique is worked out. Short waves not only generate a uniform and penetrating heat in the depths of the tissue, but also allow a very fine regulation of the degree of heating. By the shape and design of the electrodes the field can be concentrated on a circumscribed region and the heat effect thus localised. Even if complete coagulation of the malignant cells is not aimed at, a slight elevation of temperature to, say, 42° C. may prove valuable in conjunction with other agents such as x-rays or radium (Warren, 5 and 6).