Preliminary technical, experimental and clinical results of the use of the HPLR 27 system for the treatment of deep-seated tumours by hyperthermia.

Based on the theoretical deep penetration of radio frequencies, we have developed several 27.12 MHz ridged wave guides, with large apertures, and filled with circulating deionized water. Different low impedance matching networks have been tested and a 0-800 W power generator has been designed for this particular clinical use. This can be driven easily by a microcomputer which is used to regulate the temperature at depth by varying the sequencing time and/or by adjusting the RF power. The complete system, known as HPRL 27, is manufactured by Sairem Ets. Studies of the spatial power density distributions show a relatively homogeneous RF field for an aperture greater than 30 X 14 cm. Preliminary heating patterns studied in phantoms indicate the possibility of treating volumes greater than 2000 cm3 within the 50 per cent isotherm. Maximum heating is observed between 2 and 5 cm deep with passive cooling, and between 3 and 6 cm deep with active cooling, in which case the 50 per cent isotherm is situated between 2 and 10 cm deep. Preliminary phase I clinical results on 20 patients with pelvic or thoracic carcinomas show the possibility of heating deep-seated tumours to above 42 degrees C with a good patient tolerance. Temperature is controlled by implantable catheters or in the case of pelvic heating, by inserting catheters into the vagina, the rectum and the bladder. This new device is well adapted for the treatment of pelvic tumours.