[Basic and clinical studies of local hyperthermia for prostatic cancer].

The effect of local hyperthermia on the prostate using 13.56 MHz radio frequency wave (RF wave) was reported. Firstly, temperature and blood flow of the prostate in normal dogs were measured during local hyperthermia. In most part of the prostate, the temperature reached over 42 degrees C, which was considered as favorable for the hyperthermia therapy. Blood flow of the prostatic tissue rose more slowly than that of muscle tissue. Secondly, the tissue concentration of anticancer agents after local hyperthermia was measured. There was a tendency that drug concentration in the prostate tissue after local hyperthermia was higher than that without local hyperthermia. Histological findings showed interstitial edema and congestion. As a clinical trial, 14 cases of prostatic cancer were treated with local hyperthermia after the administration of anticancer agents. Seven of them were fresh cases and the others were relapsed cases. After treatment, tumor size was reduced in 13 cases. According to "The Response Criteria for Urologic Tumor", one Complete Response, 3 Partial Response and 10 No Change cases were obtained. There was no tumor progression. As for side effects, bone marrow suppression, loss of appetite, diarrhea and skin burns were noted. However, these side effects were mild, and did not interrupt the treatment. Local hyperthermia of the prostate after systemic chemotherapy could be carried out safely and effectively in patients with prostatic cancer.