Experimental studies on thermochemotherapy

The combination effect of heat and anti-cancer drugs were studied by following the proliferation of cancer cells from a uterine cervix (OG cells). In animal experiment, tumor bearing mice were injected 5 microCi 14C-5FU, local hyperthermia was created in hot water baths of 37 degrees C, 43 degrees C and 45 degrees C for 30 minutes. At timed intervals, tissue was taken from the tumor and radioactivity was measured. The results were as follows: In vitro. The critical temperature for proliferation was between 40 degrees C and 41 degrees C with continuous heating. At 60 minutes of heating was between 45 degrees C and 46 degrees C. The simultaneous use of heat and anti-cancer drugs that inhibit cell proliferation was effective for Bleomycin, Cis-plantinum and Ifosfamide but not effective for Mitomycin and Adriamycin. In vivo. Immediately after the hyperthermia, the uptake of 14C-5FU within the tumor in the 37 degrees C group was (229 +/- 29) X 10dpm/g. The 43 degrees C group (1.47 times) and the 45 degrees C group (1.37 times) were significantly higher than this. Even 60 minutes after the hyperthermia, the heat-treated groups maintained levels 1.7-2. 0 times higher. The uptake within the tumor was better in the 43 degrees C group than 45 degrees C group.