Intrarectal hyperthermia of circumferential rectal cancer. Report of 2 cases.

An intrarectal microwave (2,450 MHz) applicator was designed for hyperthermia of rectal cancer. Combined treatment of hyperthermia and irradiation was applied in two selected cases. The lesions of case 1 regressed completely, but cancer cells were still present after treatment in case 2. Such hyperthermia is useful for other circumferential cancers such as those of the esophagus and biliary tract. Combined hyperthermia and irradiation are an effective means of achieving therapeutic gains.