Abstract
Statement of Problem
This thesis focuses on the study of Radio Frequency (RF) hyperthermia heating as a palliative option for cancer human patients. The RF heating systems that we adopted here were the Mettler Autothermal 300 and Mettler Autothermal 390 diathermy units, whose performance has been tested in our laboratory. The hyperthermia will be delivered by the Mettler 27 MHz units which also meet the FDA requirements.The patients were primarily from Sacramento and neighboring regions such as Bay area and Central Valley in California. After computer treatment planning based on patient CT scan data, hyperthermia is used for 30-45 minutes over 6-8 weeks. Studies looked at tumor response, including full response (tumor absent after treatment), partial response (tumor absent after treatment), and no response (tumor stable after treatment)
Sources of Data
The treatment plan was advanced in conjunction with cancer patients and cancer clinics such as the Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center
Conclusions Reached
Hyperthermia therapy has improved quality of life and survival time for patients and improved the effects of anti-cancer drugs on some patients, with no adverse short- or long-term side effects reported by treatment providers.