Thermotherapy of VX 2 Rabbit Carcinoma: I: Augmentation by Irradiation

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Abstract
An induction-type radiofrequency generator was used to heat thigh implants of the VX2 rabbit carcinoma. The tumor temperature could be easily raised to over 50.degree. C, while the temperature of normal adjacent muscle generally remained at about 43.degree. C. The marked hypovascularity of the tumor, as demonstrated angiographically, probably explains this disproportionate hyperthermic reaction to administered heat. Twenty-five untreated rabbits succumbed to their tumors after a mean interval of 38 days. Of 24 rabbits with tumors heated to between 48.degree. and 50.degree. C for 30-45 min, 5 (21%) were permanently cured. Of 10 rabbits treated with 1000 R in a single dose, none were cured. Of 12 rabbits treated with 1000 R, followed after 3.5 h with 30 min of heating to 48.degree.-49.degree. C, 11 were locally cured. Thus, a synergistic effect between hyperthermia and irradiation was demonstrated.