RADIOFREQUENCY INTERSTITIAL HYPERTHERMIA OF MALIGNANT BRAIN TUMORS: DEVELOPMENT OF HEATING SYSTEM

Takahashi H., Suda T., Motoyama H., Uzuka T., Takahashi S., Morita K., Kakinuma K., Tanaka R.

RF interstitial hyperthermia system for the treatment of malignant brain tumors was developed using goldmade RF antennas and RF generator. RF antennas were demonstrated in a phantom model and tested in normal canine model to achieve satisfied temperature distributions. Furthermore, to apply this new modality clinically, Phase I-II trial involving thirty patients with malignant brain tumors was undertaken. All cases confirmed the ability of RF interstitial hyperthermia to obtaine the technical feasibility and reasonable tolerance for the patients was documented. The antitumor effects were evaluated by CT, and the treated tumors showed CR in 5, PR in 11, ST in 12 and PD in 2 cases, respectively. Response rate (CR + PR) was 53%. There were no major complications. Transient cerebral edema, liquorrhea, small hemorrhage beside the implanted catheters and scalp infection were observed as a minor complication. In conclusion, RF interstitial hyperthermia can be clinically applicable in the treatment for malignant brain tumors because of its lessinvasiveness.