Deep Regional Hyperthermia Treatment Using Thermotron-RF8: An Initial Experience at Chulabhorn Hospital
Sunanta Rojwatkarnjana MD1, Poompis Pattaranutraporn MD1, Thong Chotchutipan MD1, Rattanaporn Nanthong BNS1, Danupon Nantajit PhD1,2, Pornwaree Trirussapanich MD1, Kanyanee Laebua MD1, Sasikarn Chamchod MD1,2
Affiliation : 1 Department of Radiation Oncology, Chulabhorn Hospital, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand 2 Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Adding hyperthermia to radiation or chemotherapy has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with
various malignancies.
Objective : To evaluate response rates and toxicities of deep regional hyperthermia combined with radiation or chemotherapy
in cancer patients.
Materials and Methods : Medical records of 30 cancer patients treated with deep regional hyperthermia combined with
radiation therapy or chemotherapy from April 2014 to April 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment outcomes were
reported in terms of response rates and toxicities.
Results : The median follow-up time was 15 months (range 4 to 38 months); 53% of patients received hyperthermia
combined with radiation therapy, and 37% received hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy. The most commonly
treated sites were within the pelvic cavity (46.7%) and abdomen (40%). Of the 30 patients, 16.7% achieved complete
response, 36.7% achieved partial response, 13.3% had stable disease, and 33.3% had progressive disease. Among patients in
the curative intent group, 50% achieved complete response and 50% achieved partial response. In the palliative intent group,
30% achieved partial response, 20% had stable disease, and 50% had progressive disease. The most common toxicity was
skin reaction grade 1.
Conclusion : Adding hyperthermia to radiation or chemotherapy is feasible, with minimal adverse effects. Treatment
outcomes were comparable with previous published data.
Keywords : Deep regional hyperthermia; Thermotron-RF8; Radiation therapy; Chemotherapy; Response; Toxicity
