Integrating hyperthermia into modern radiation oncology: What evidence is necessary?

Peeken JC, Vaupel P, Combs SE (2017)


Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Book Volume: 7

Article Number: 132

Journal Issue: JUN

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00132

Abstract

Hyperthermia (HT) is one of the hot topics that have been discussed over decades. However, it never made its way into primetime. The basic biological rationale of heat to enhance the effect of radiation, chemotherapeutic agents, and immunotherapy is evident. Preclinical work has confirmed this effect. HT may trigger changes in perfusion and oxygenation as well as inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms. Moreover, there is evidence for immune stimulation and the induction of systemic immune responses. Despite the increasing number of solid clinical studies, only few centers have included this adjuvant treatment into their repertoire. Over the years, abundant prospective and randomized clinical data have emerged demonstrating a clear benefit of combined HT and radiotherapy for multiple entities such as superficial breast cancer recurrences, cervix carcinoma, or cancers of the head and neck. Regarding less investigated indications, the existing data are promising and more clinical trials are currently recruiting patients. How do we proceed from here? Preclinical evidence is present. Multiple indications benefit from additional HT in the clinical setting. This article summarizes the present evidence and develops ideas for future research.

Involved external institutions

How to cite

APA:

Peeken, J.C., Vaupel, P., & Combs, S.E. (2017). Integrating hyperthermia into modern radiation oncology: What evidence is necessary? Frontiers in Oncology, 7(JUN). https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2017.00132

MLA:

Peeken, Jan C., Peter Vaupel, and Stephanie E. Combs. "Integrating hyperthermia into modern radiation oncology: What evidence is necessary?" Frontiers in Oncology 7.JUN (2017).

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