[Thermo-radiotherapy in local rectal cancer].

The results of preoperative radiation therapy with a cumulative focal dose of 40 Gy were compared in 2 groups of patients suffering from local rectal cancer. 74 patients of the first group received radiation therapy without any additive treatment. 36 patients of the second group before several treatments of radiation therapy received local 915 MHz electromagnetic hyperthermia in the range of 42 to 43.5 degrees C for 1 hour. The patients were operated on 4-6 weeks later. In the second group, full regression was observed in 7 cases. Radical surgery was performed in 15 patients (20.3%) of the first group and 17 patients (47.2%) of the second group. The nature and incidence of postoperative complications in both groups didn't differ significantly. In 4 out of 17 surgical patients of the second group, histologic examination of the resected material failed to detect any tumor elements; the remaining cases revealed deep dystrophic changes.