Local microwave hyperthermia in treatment of advanced prostatic adenocarcinoma

Summary Fifteen patients with advanced (T_3–4, N_x-2, M_0–1) prostatic adenocarcinoma were treated with local microwave hyperthermia (LMwH) applied as the sole method of therapy (automatically controlled set generating 2,450 MHz microwaves with intrarectal applicator). All patients were monitored with a battery of tests, including USG image and volumetry of prostate, bone scintigraphy, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum level of PAP. LMwH sessions were well tolerated and did not cause pain except a moderate sensation of heating in the pelvic region. 8 of these 15 patients responded to the therapy (3x complete remission and 5x partial remission). Involution of the prostatic tumor in responders was accompanied by improvement of the general clinical and urological state. In two responders bone metastases, documented scintigraphically before therapy, disappeared. 7 patients did not respond to LMwH, mostly patients with very large primary tumors.