The use of Microwave-Induced Hyperthermia in Conjunction with Afterloading Irradiation of Vaginal Carcinoma: A preliminary report

Technically improved microwave antennas for clinical hyperthermia induction have made it possible to combine this treatment modality with external and intracavitary irradiation of vaginal and cervical carcinomas. A microwave applicator with a frequency of 915 MHz was used in tissue phantom measurements and inserted into perspex vaginal obturators for measurement of the specific absorption rate in different planes. A Lund Science Hyperthermia System 4010 with a 200 W generator and a separate thermometry system (ATS 100) was used in the patient treatments. Nine patients with vaginal squamous cell carcinomas have been treated with this applicator and obturator setup as an adjunct to intracavitary irradiation with high dose-rate afterloading technique. The treatments of two patients are described in this preliminary report.