Hyperthermia and radiotherapy combination for locoregional recurrences of breast cancer: a review

Breast cancer is a second common form of malignancy and is one of the leading causes of mortality among cancer patients across the world. Locoregional recurrence occurs in 5-20% of patients despite upfront treatment. Local therapy (surgery plus minus re-irradiation) with or without systemic therapy is generally recommended for management. Local control rates vary; months to years, but a significant percentage lives 5 years. Therefore, treatment strategies to increase response rates are significant. Hyperthermia is one of the most potent radiosensitizers and data from meta-analysis and randomized trials support its use with radiotherapy. This study reviews the biologic rationale and clinical evidence about concomitant use of hyperthermia and radiotherapy in locally-recurrent breast cancer patients.