[Enhancement of anti-tumor effects by arterial embolization combined with hyperthermia in the treatment of hepatic tumors].

The effectiveness of arterial embolization using DSM (Degradable Starch Microspheres, Spherex, Sweden) combined with hyperthermia were investigated in the treatment of VX2 carcinoma in rabbits and also in human hepatic tumors. These microspheres temporarily obstructed the blood flow at the precapillary level. The blood flow in the tumor was inhibited to a greater extent and for a longer period than in normal muscle. The rise in temperature at the tumor site during heating was shown to be significantly higher than in muscle. The pH in the tumor clearly showed a stronger degree of inhibition than that achieved with hyperthermia alone. Histological examination demonstrated no marked damage to the muscle following DSM + hyperthermia. In the patients with hepatic tumor, hyperthermia was performed using an RF Thermotron 8 (8 MHz) externally, followed by injection of 15 ml of DSM combined with anti-cancer drugs via a catheter. The rise of temperature in DSM + chemo-hyperthermia during heating showed a higher value than that with hyperthermia alone and effective cases (PR) totalled 5 from among 8 cases treated. It was concluded that the heating efficiency may be improved by arterial chemo-embolization in the treatment of hepatic tumors.