MRI-controlled regional hyperthermia

Purpose: Regional hyperthermia in combination with chemotherapy or/and radi otherapy is a promising treatment concept for locally advanced, deep-seated tumors. The purpose of the project is the optimization of the therapy usin g non-invasive, three-dimensionaI imaging of tissue changes or of the tempe rature distribution during regional hyperthermia. Methods: MRI offers methods suitable in principle for tissue characterizati on and MR thermometry. A new MRI-hyperthermia hybrid system has been develo ped based on an innovative hyperthermia applicator and an open MRI system. Results: After successful testing of the new MRI-hyperthermia hybrid system simultaneous MRI and regional hyperthermia in patients could be accomplish ed for the first time. At present the T1 relaxation time seems to be a prom ising parameter for MR thermometry. Conclusion:The first clinical application of the MRI-hyperthermia hybrid sy stem can be regarded as an important step towards the development of region al hyperthermia. This new hybrid system and the MR thermometry methods have to be investigated prospectively in clinical studies.