Radiotherapy and Hyperthermia in the Treatment of Locoregional Recurrent Cancer: Report of the First Patients Treated in Portugal Radioterapia e Hipertermia no Tratamento de Recidivas Locorregionais: Primeiros Casos Tratados em Portugal

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The association of hyperthermia with radiotherapy has been shown to be a valid approach in the treatment of locoregional recurrence of previously irradiated malignant tumors. The purpose of the present study is to describe the initial experience of the Radiation Oncology Department Júlio Teixeira SA (CUF Institute) and the Medical Oncology Service (Hospital CUF Porto) in the treatment of these lesions, reporting the first cases treated in Portugal with this therapeutic approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of the 18 patients, 16 females and 2 males, with unresectable tumor recurrences in previously irradiated areas treated with radiotherapy associated with hyperthermia, in the period from May 2016 to March 2017.

RESULTS: From May 2016 to March 2017, 25 treatments were performed on 18 patients. In all treatments, a favorable response was seen at the irradiated site. No grade 3 toxicities were observed.

DISCUSSION: The results are encouraging, with improved quality of life and self-esteem of patients with acceptable toxicity. The combined treatment of hyperthermia and radiotherapy seems to be a valid option in the local control of recurrent unresectable neoplasms in previously irradiated sites, where therapeutic options are limited.