M.Heinrich Seegenschmiedt – författare

This volume summarizes the biological and pathophysiological aspects of heat interaction with radiotherapy and chemotherapy against a historical background. Presenting technical state-of- the-art discussions of the combination of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy with hyperthermia, this text may appeal to theoretical researchers in biology, physiology, physics, engineering and to oncological practitioners and specialists in related areas.

Hyperthermia has been found to be of great benefit in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy in the management of patients with difficult and com­ plicated tumor problems. It has been demonstrated to increase the efficacy, of ionising radiation when used locally but also has been of help in combination with systemic chemotherapy where hyperthermia is carried out to the total body. Problems remain with regard to maximizing the effects of hyperthermia as in­ fluenced by blood flow, heat loss, etc. The present volume defines the current knowledge relative to hyperthermia with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, giving a comprehensive overview of its use in cancer management. Philadelphia/Hamburg, June 1995 L.W. BRADY H.-P. HEILMANN Preface In an attempt to overcome tumor resistance, hypoxia, or unfavorable tumor condi­ tions, oncological research has come to focus on gene therapy, immunotherapy, new cytotoxic agents, and increasingly sophisticated radiotherapy. Radiation research has been directed towards heavy particle therapy and modification of the radiation response by either protecting or sensitizing agents. Improved dose localization using rotational or conformal strategies has also been implemented. Recently, changes in radiation fractionation schedules have shown promise of better results. Hyperthermia in cancer therapy can be viewed similarly as another means to increase the sensitivity of tumors to radio- and chemotherapy.

Hyperthermia has been found to be of great benefit in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy in the management of patients with difficult and com­ plicated tumor problems. It has been demonstrated to increase the efficacy of ionizing radiation when used locally but also has been of help in combination with systemic chemotherapy where hyperthermia is carried out to the total body. Triple modality (thermo-chemo-radiotherapy) or other treatment combinations have not been fully evaluated and may demonstrate extended clinical applications in the future. Problems remain with regard to maximizing the effects of hyperthermia as they are influenced by a variety of external and intrinsic factors including bloodflow, microenvironment etc. While the previous volume has summarized more theoretical aspects of hyper­ thermia, i.e. biology, physiology and physics, the present volume compiles the current knowledge relative to the clinical applications of hyperthermia in combina­ tion with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, providing a comprehensive over­ view of its use in cancer management.