Beneficial effects of modulated electro-hyperthermia during neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer
Sunghyun Kim, Jun Hyuk Lee, Jihye Cha, Sei Hwan You
Abstract
PURPOSE: Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) may enhance the tumor response, although the effectiveness of combined neoadjuvant therapy remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of mEHT with neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data were analyzed for 120 patients who received neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (T3/4 or N+, M0) from May 2012 to December 2017. Capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil was administered along with radiotherapy. Patients were categorized into mEHT group (62 patients) and non-mEHT group (58 patients) depending on whether mEHT was added. Surgery was performed 6-8 weeks after the end of radiotherapy. RESULTS: = .054). CONCLUSION: The overall mEHT group had a comparable response and survival using less radiation dosing compared with standard care; the subgroup with large tumors showed improved efficacy for tumor regression after mEHT.