The OPEN ACCESS publication (PDF, EPUB) provides a unique, comprehensive compilation of the physical basics as well as the clinical applications.
These chapters refer directly to oncological wIRA superficial hyperthermia and to fever-range whole-body hyperthermia. The corresponding medical devices (hydrosunTWH1500 and heckel-HT3000) are distributed by heckel:
• Notter et al: Thermography-Controlled, Contact-Free wIRA-Hyperthermia Combined with Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Large-Sized Lesions of Unresectable, Locally Recurrent Breast Cancer - PDF
• Crezee et al: Combined Use of wIRA and Microwave or Radiofrequency Hyperthermia - PDF
• Multhoff et al: Mild Hyperthermia Induced by Water-Filtered Infrared A Irradiation: A Potent Strategy to Foster Immune Recognition and Anti-Tumor Immune Responses in Superficial Cancers? - PDF
• Zschaeck et al: Whole-Body Hyperthermia in Oncology: Renaissance in the Immunotherapy Era? - PDF
• Heckel-Reusser: Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH): Historical Aspects, Current Use, and Future Perspectives - PDF
• Knobel et al: Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH) in Psychiatry - PDF
Of course, an attractive hardcover version is available for purchase as well.
2) ESTRO 2022, 06.-10. Mai 2022 in Kopenhagen– great interest in wIRA superficial hyperthermia
For the first time, heckel exhibited at the annual ESTRO-Tagung which took place in Copenhagen from 06-10 May 2022. There was great interest in contact-free wIRA (water-filtered infrared A) superficial hyperthermia as a radiosensitizer combined with hypofractionated radiotherapy. For most visitors from all over Europe, it was the first information about this new effective method for tumour control in inoperable superficial tumours.
In the poster session, the radiooncologist Alexander Rühle from the University Medical Center Freiburg reported on measurements of oxygenation.
PD-0490 Superficial wIRA-hyperthermia and re-irradiation: Role of oxygen-dependent radiosensitization. A. Thomsen, M.R. Saalmann, M. Notter, N.H. Nicolay, A. Grosu, P. Vaupel
Conclusion:
wIRA-hyperthermia (T = 39-43°C) leads to a distinct pO2 rise in superficial tissues, which is essential for radiosensitization. This benefit of improved tissue oxygenation is only present if HT is applied shortly before radiotherapy. Effective HT levels needed for inhibition of DNA repair could be observed up to a tissue depth of ≈5 mm, as present, e.g., in lymphangiosis carcinomatosa. Effective HT levels for improved oxygenation (T ≥ 39°C) can be measured up to a tissue depth of ≈30 mm.
3) DEGRO 2022 26.-28. 05. 2022 in Stuttgart (heckel booth 2A27): Presentation in Session VS14 on the treatment of irresectable skin tumors by combined wIRA HT/RT
At DEGRO 2022 in Stuttgart, the University Medical Centers Freiburg and Magdeburg will present their first experiences in treating skin tumors by combined wIRA hyperthermia (HT) and radiotherapy (RT):
Session VS14, Translation von Innovation in die Versorgung - Sat, 28. Mai 2022, 09:15 - 10:15.
In the same session there is also an interesting overview about hyperthermia treatment schedules in academic European hyperthermia centers: A. Ademaj et al. VS14-1
English translation of the originally German abstract:
wIRA-Hyperthermie for radiosensitization of irrsectable skin tumors: A retrospective analysis
AR Thomsen1 , AM Lüchtenborg1, J Scholber1, P Vaupel 1, A-L Grosu 1, M Walke2, A Gawish2, P Hass2, T Brunner2
1 Klinik für Strahlenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau
2 Otto von Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Klinik für Strahlentherapie, Magdeburg
Question: Inoperable malignancies of the skin are often a therapeutic challenge. Radiation therapy (RT) is, especially in the case of locally advanced stages of disease and in multimorbid/elderly patients, often the only option available. In clinical reality, RT is often just applicable in a limited way, due to the toxicity, but also due to the daily RT fractions over several weeks. As a radiation-sensitising modality, superficial hyperthermia (HT) using water-filtered infrared (wIRA) has recently become available as a radiosensitizing modality. By the combination of RT and wIRA-HT, a more favourable ratio of efficacy vs toxicity could be achieved and the number of therapy sessions could be reduced.
Methods: In patients treated for skin tumours with wIRA-HT between 2019-2021, histology, tumour stages and therapy parameters are retrospectively collected. Data of response and toxicity are analyzed and compared to published results.
Results: Within the framework of individual therapy concepts, at University Meidcal Centers of Magdeburg and Freiburg, 12 patients with inoperable skin tumours received a combination of superficial HT and RT. A total of 16 regions were irradiated, 14 of which were on the face and scalp. In addition to basal cell (n = 7) and squamous cell carcinomas (n = 8), 1 melanoma was treated. Eleven regions were treated hypofractionally with single doses of 4 up to 20-24 Gy, analogous to an established re-RT regimen for recurrent breast carcinoma [1]. A further 5 regions were treated with normofractionated RT up to 44-56 Gy. wIRA HT was administered 1-2 times a week directly before RT. All patients received photodocumentation to quantify response. No toxicities > grade 2 occurred usign combined wIRA-HT+RT. In 9 of the 16 treated regions, there was a complete remission of the tumour.
Conclusion: wIRA-HT is a well-tolerated modality for radiosensitization of skin tumours. The optimisation of RT-dosis and fractionation is the subject of ongoing research. Disclosure statement: There is no conflict of interest.
Literature: 1 Notter, M et al (2017) Int J Hyperth 33, 227–236.
