Hot Topic: Can mild hyperthermia improve tumour oxygenation?

The oxygenation status of C3H mammary carcinomas, grown in the feet of CDF1 mice, was measured with an Eppendorf oxygen electrode. Tumours were locally heated in a water bath at temperatures of 38.5-41.5 degrees C for 1 h. Measurements made during heating showed temperature-dependent increases in tumour oxygenation. However, measurements performed after heating showed a rapid return to normal oxygenation status. Mild hyperthermia thus improves tumour oxygenation and this can explain the radiosensitization seen with low heat treatments, but only when the heat and radiation are administered concurrently, which is typically not the way that are given clinically.