Sudden Myelopathy Secondary to Therapeutic Total-Body Hyperthermia after Spinal-Cord Irradiation

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Abstract
HYPERTHERMIA is a new method of treatment receiving increasing clinical attention in cancer therapy. Its efficacy has been well demonstrated in animals, but its indications, contraindications, and appropriate place in cancer therapy have yet to be defined.1 2 3 4 We report three cases of acute myelopathy in patients undergoing hyperthermia after spinal-cord irradiation within the preceding two months. Post-mortem examination in one case revealed findings similar to those seen in myelopathy resulting from long-term irradiation. Several neurologic side effects have been reported previously with total-body hyperthermia — most commonly peripheral neuropathy, but not myelopathy.1 2 3 The mechanism of action of hyperthermia in cancer . . .