Hyperthermia for rectal cancer.

Background. In order to improve the clinical results of rectal cancer, hyperthermia has been prescribed in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The techniques of hyperthermia and their clinical applications to rectal cancer were reviewed. Methods. The development of heating devices has been intensively investigated, including external heating devices, intraluminal heating devices, circulation of warmed saline solution, and whole body hyperthermia. Results. Nonrandomized and randomized trials for rectal cancer have demonstrated an improved local response with the combined use of hyperthermia and conventional treatments. A preoperative therapy with hyperthermia increased resectability and decreased local recurrence, resulting in the improvement of the postoperative prognosis. There were no major postoperative complications related to the preoperative treatment. A lower incidence of local recurrence was observed in groups that underwent intra- or postoperative hyperthermia treatment, as compared with control groups. In cases with unresectable or local recurrent rectal cancer, hyperthermia achieved a local tumor regression and prolonged pain relief. Conclusions. These clinical data suggest that hyperthermia combined with radiation or chemotherapy demonstrates great promise for the treatment of patients with carcinoma of the rectum. (Surgery 2002;131:S121-7.)