Combined ultrasound and radiation therapy treatment of human superficial tumors.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Ultrasound, used to generate local tumor hyperthermia, was combined with radiation therapy in a pilot study to determine efficacy and toxicity of this combined-modalilty therapy. Lesions (21) in 18 patients were treated at graded doses from 2400-4000 rads (24-40 Gy [Grays]) with ultrasonic hyperthermia administered immediately prior to irradiation at 43.5.degree. C .+-. 0.5.degree. C for 1 h. The overall response rate was 100%, with a 62% complete response rate. Of those lesions that responded completely and were followed for periods of 3-22 mo., there have been no recurrences of the lesions treated with the combined modalities. The response rate for control unheated lesions in the same patient in the same radiation field was markedly lower (30% overall and no complete responses). Heat treatment alone in the same patients also showed lower response rates (50% overall and 10% complete) with a short response duration. Toxicities were minimal, consisting of 1 case with long-term treatment-associated sequelae. This combined modality of therapy is safe and effective where applied in human superficial tumors and further development is warranted.