The role of hyperthermia in optimizing tumor response to regional therapy

Purpose: To discuss the role of hyperthermia in optimizing the response to regional therapy for cancer.

Methods: A review of the current literature discussing mechanism of action, experimental models and prospective, randomized trials was performed.

Results: The mechanism of action of hyperthermia in combination with radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy at the cellular and tissue levels is described. Data supporting the benefit of hyperthermia in conjunction with both regional, infusional chemotherapy, and locoregional radiation therapy is demonstrated. Several different histologic tumor types are covered, all with prospective evidence supporting the benefit of hyperthermia.

Conclusions: Although delivery methods for hyperthermia can be complex and difficult to implement, the data support its benefit and further endeavors to include hyperthermia as a component of regional therapy should be encouraged.