Status of hyperthermia in the treatment of advanced liver cancer

The vast majority of patients with malignant liver tumors have inoperable d isease. These patients must rely on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and various locoregional treatments. Although these treatments have demonstrated encou raging response rates, symptom palliation and occasional down staging of tu mors, their impact on survival is minor. As a result there has been renewed interest in hyperthermia as a treatment option. This study reviews the cur rent modalities of hyperthermia in terms of clinical results, side effects, limitations, and therapeutic standing. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001;77.-259-269. ( C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.