Combination by hyperthermia and surgery

Abstract

Hyperthermia combined with radiation and/or chemotherapy has been used as a preoperative adjuvant therapy in patients with esophageal and rectal cancer. The intraluminal heating method with radiofrequency or microwave was employed first, and then replaced by the external heating method as new equipment was developed. For the treatment of deep-seated tumors, optimizing and standardizing the heating operation is important for improving the effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Pathological CR was seen in 20-30% of patients treated with preoperative hyperthermo-chemoradiation therapy for esophageal and rectal caner. An anal-preserving operation for tumors near the anus could be possible in patients with pathological CR. In addition to the prevention of local recurrence, improvement of survival has been expected; however, an effective adjuvant chemotherapy that can reduce distant metastasis has not been established and warrants further clinical trials. In conclusion, preoperative hyperthermia combined with radiation and/or chemotherapy with surgical procedures following may benefit patients with locally advanced cancer by decreasing local recurrence and increasing functional preservation.