Editorial/review

Hyperthermia in Extracorporeal Technology

¹ Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH
² Presented at AmSECT's Second Annual Basic Science Review Course, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

^* Address correspondence to: David W Holt, Riverside Methodist Hospital, 3535 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43124

Abstract

A review of the application of hyperthermia in the treatment of cancer is presented. The definition, historical background, biological rationale, indications and contraindications are discussed. The five basic methods of inducing hyperthermia as well as the five objective therapeutic modalities are reviewed. Hyperthermia for the treatment of cancer applied by extracorporeal circulation either alone or in conjunction with isolated regional perfusion is the specific target of the review. The published results demonstrating hyperthermic therapy as a “detrimental” therapy, an “indifferent” therapy or a “positive” therapy are explored (J. Extra-Corpor. Technol. 21(2): 65-72, 1989, 83 Ref).