Clinical observation of radio frequency hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy for treating metastatic cancer of the liver

[Objective]To evaluate efficacy and toxicity of hyperthermia as an adjunct to chemotherapy in metastatic cancer of the liver.[Methods]One hundred and five advanced cancer patients with liver metastasis were given chemotherapy,then received 2 times of hyperthermia immediately and 72 hour later after given chemotherapy.The temperature was 42～43℃,and the duration was 60 minutes.Repeated every 3 weeks,and assessment was done after treatment.[Results]Of the 105 patients treated,there were 9CR,35PR,43SD and 18PD,and the overall response(CR+PR) was 41.90%.The clinical benefit rate(CR+PR+SD) was 82.85%.The main toxicity was bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal reaction.Leukopenia and nausea-vomiting occurred in 97.14% and 94.29% cases.Ⅲ～Ⅳgrade leukopenia and nausea-vomiting occurred in 26.67% and 33.33% cases,other side effects were few and could be tolerated.The content of Ag-NORs in patients after therapy was higher than that in patients before therapy.That means the immune function of patients was enhanced.[Conclusion]This trial suggests some advantage of combining chemotherapy with hyperthermia.Hyperthermia as an adjunct to chemotherapy is a safe and effective therapy for metastatic cancer patients of the liver.The toxic and side effects are tolerable and the immune function of patients was enhanced.