Clinical considerations in the use of external microwaves for local hyperthermia

Abstract

This article focuses on the clinical indications for local microwave hyperthermia, on the equipment and techniques involved in treatment planning, and on some of the controversies yet to be solved with regard to prescribing a course of hyperthermia treatments. Clinical results reviewed are restricted to three similar trials with microwave heating devices in patients with multiple superficial neoplasms. Matched-pair analysis of the responses of these lesions provides convincing evidence for the efficacy of local hyperthermia. In conclusion, the need for better equipment and new clinical protocols is stressed.