Whole-body hyperthermia combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of stage IV advanced gastric cancer

Author Zhao C1
Author Dai C
Author Chen X
Publication 1Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Huangpu Road West 601, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
Original Article

Whole-body hyperthermia combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the treatment of stage IV advanced gastric cancer.

Abstract
BACKGROUND:

Currently known as a metastatic disease, stage IV gastric cancer cannot be cured by surgery, but treatments are recommended to relieve symptoms such as pain and to prolong survival.
METHODS:

With better access to metastases and certain large or inoperable tumours, we applied two treatment sessions of combined therapy of whole-body hyperthermia and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo-perfusion in the treatment group, while patients in the control group were treated with oxaliplatin combined with 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy or Xeloda. We used the RECIST criteria for outcome evaluation.
RESULTS:

With the combined treatment, we found the complete and partial remission rate of patients to be 61.5%, and the rate of stable disease was 19.2%. Symptoms such as pain and a large volume of ascites were alleviated, and the quality of life was correspondingly improved. In addition, the combined treatment had a significant therapeutic benefit against the primary tumour and the metastases to the lymph nodes and liver. Survival time was also significantly prolonged (the 1-year survival rate was 38.5% compared to the control group rate of 19%).
CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that whole-body hyperthermia combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with advanced gastric malignancies.