A NONTOXIC SYSTEM FOR 41.8-DEGREES-C WHOLE-BODY HYPERTHERMIA - RESULTS OF A PHASE-I STUDY USING A RADIANT-HEAT DEVICE

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 45  (8) , 3937-3944
Abstract
A phase I study of whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) (52 treatments/12 patients) was completed with no significant clinical toxicity. The study incorporated a thermal dose escalation scheme from 39.5.degree.-41.8.degree. C for up to 151 min. A radiant-heat device was utilized for producing WBH. During WBH, patients were sedated; endotracheal intubation was not required. No changes in cardiovascular, respiratory, hematological or biochemical indices requiring clinical intervention occurred during the study. The radiant-heat device coupled with a defined pharmacological approach to WBH with appropriate patient screening yields a system for 41.8.degree. C WBH which is safe and efficient, is not labor intensive, and does not require general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. This system is appropriate for a multimodality approach to various systemic cancers.