Effects of RF Hyperthermia on Tissue Temperature
Author Information
Author(s): H. Griffiths, I.J. Kerby, J.L. Moore, A. Ahmed, C.W. Smith, D. Mort, M. Davies
Primary Institution: South Wales Radiotherapy and Oncology Service, Velindre Hospital
Hypothesis
Does RF hyperthermia treatment lead to a decrease in tissue temperature during treatment?
Conclusion
The study found that tissue temperature can decrease during RF hyperthermia treatment despite constant power delivery.
Supporting Evidence
- Temperature measurements were taken using thermocouples implanted in the tissue.
- Decreases in tissue temperature were observed on 8 out of 29 treatment occasions.
- Patients showed signs of skin vasodilatation and sweating during treatment.
Takeaway
When doctors use heat to treat cancer, sometimes the temperature in the tissue goes down instead of up, which is surprising.
Methodology
Twelve patients were treated with RF energy while monitoring tissue temperatures using thermocouples.
Limitations
It was difficult to determine whether the thermocouple junctions were in tumor or normal tissue due to the diffuse nature of the tumor.
Participant Demographics
Patients with advanced cancer in axillary nodes.
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