Thermoradiotherapy for persistent cancer in previously irradiated fields.

Among some 300 patients undergoing clinical trails with localized radiofrequency hyperthermia, 42 whose cancers had persisted or recurred after conventional radiotherapy were selected for additional limited radiation plus hyperthermia. There were 10 complete responses to therapy, 13 partial responses and one patient was considered nonevaluable. In the remaining 18 patients there was minor regression, stabilization or progression of the tumor. After completion of treatment, five of the tumors appeared operable and surgical resection was accomplished in four. The results of this study support the concept that hyperthermia has a potentiating effect when used in conjunction with radiation therapy.

Regional hyperthermia for cancer.

The clinical use of regional hyperthermia combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both in 107 patients with advanced cancer is reported. Surgery was subsequently carried out in eight patients. The radiofrequency equipment used is capable of heating tumors at any depth with few adverse side effects. Complete responses to therapy occurred in 16 percent of patients, and partial responses in 52 percent. Striking pain relief was observed in both responders and nonresponders.

Clinical trial of danazol for benign breast disease.

A clinical trial of danazol was undertaken in 30 patients with severe fibrocystic disease of the breasts. Twenty-three of the patients continued the drug for five or six months to allow adequate evaluation. Partial or complete relief of breast pain, tenderness, and nodularity occurred in all patients studied. One previously unsuspected carcinoma of the breast was discovered after three months of therapy. Side effects from the drug were generally mild. Recurrence of symptoms and physical findings occurred in most patients after the drug was discontinued but have not been as severe as prior to therapy.