Long-term thermal sensitivity of previously irradiated skin

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Abstract
The response of the mouse ear to hyperthermia was investigated at 7-64 wk after irradiation with X-rays. Thermal sensitivity was increased by 12 wk after single doses of 18-20 Gy [gray] but showed no further changes up to 64 wk after exposure. The increase in sensitivity to retreatment by hyperthermia several months after the initial course of radiation may be related to the turnover time of the tissue. Although there are reports which suggest that prior irradiation given > 2 mo. earlier does not affect the response of human skin or superfical tumors to the mild hyperthermic treatments in current clinical use [for the therapy of cancer], more aggressive heat therapy may produce unexpectedly severe responses in previously irradiated sites.

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