[Method of local hyperthermia combined with gamma therapy in patients with locally disseminated rectal cancer].

Altogether 32 patients with locally disseminated rectal cancer received thermoradiotherapy. Local hyperthermia was used in combination with preoperative radiotherapy in a single focal dose of 4 Gy up to a summary focal dose of 40 Gy. Starting from the third session preliminary heating of a tumor was done using a VHF-unit with a wave length of 33 cm, frequency of 915 MHz. Temperature was controlled in the rectal lumen on the tumor surface with the help of a thermocouple. The temperature of 42-43.5 degrees was maintained for 1 hour. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed after 4 weeks and compared to the results in a similar group of 74 patients who received radiotherapy by the same scheme but without hyperthermia. The results were assessed by the regression of a primary focus: complete (tumor resorption); pronounced (50% and more of the initial volume); insignificant (a decrease in the size up to 50% of the initial volume); the absence of effect (including the progression of a process). In thermoradiotherapy a complete regression was noted in 7 patients (21.9%), pronounced in 18 (56.2%), insignificant in 6 (18.8%) and the absence of effect in 1 (3.1%). In the group of patients who received radiotherapy only no complete regression was noted, pronounced regression was observed in 25 patients (33.8%), insignificant in 31 (41.9%) and the absence of effect in 18 (24 3%). Radiation reactions were more frequently observed with thermoradiotherapy in the form of rectites (62.5 and 42.9% respectively). The first experience with the use of combined thermoradiotherapy in patients with locally disseminated rectal cancer holds promise for the development of the above trend.