882 Local tumor control with microwave hyperthermia (MWHT) in advanced tumor disease

Local tumor control is considered worthwhile in patients with advanced malignant disease to improve quality of life, though there is no effect on survival. MWHT in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy is able to improve remission rates of radiation and chemotherapy alone significantly. Between August 1990 and March 1995 we treated 31 patients with MWHT (tumor temp, higher than 41.5 dgr. C for 1 hour in 4 to 8 treatment sessions) additional to radiation or chemotherapy. Recurrent malignant melanoma (18), locoregional recurrence of breast cancer (5), pelvine recurrence of rectal cancer (6) and recurrent retroperitoneal sarcoma (2) were the indications. The rate of complete local response was 45%, partial remission we saw in 42%, no change in 13%. The rate of treatment related side effects was low and we can conclude that MWHT in combination with radiation or chemotherapy is an effective and safe treatment for local control of advanced malignant disease.