Hyperthermia, Chemotherapy Aid High-risk Cancer Patients

A combination therapy involving chemotherapy, local hyperthermia, and surgery has proven effective for high-risk patients with low-lying soft tissue sarcomas, according to a new study from the Clinical Cooperation Group Hyperthermia.

In the first-ever randomized, worldwide phase 3 study testing the efficacy of this particular treatment, 341 patients were followed to determine tumor response and survival rates. In the local, deep hyperthermia portion of the treatment, electromagnetic waves heat the tumors to 40? C to 44? C, at which point they begin to die and are more vulnerable to the body's natural immune system, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Results of the trial showed a "significant improvement" in tumor response and patient survival.