A clinical investigation of total-body hyperthermia as cancer therapy.

Seventy-seven patients have been treated with total-body hyperthermia to 42 degrees C alone or in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy in a preliminary investigation of this modality. Most had advanced cancers progressing despite other antineoplastic therapy. An overall objective response rate of 43% was obtained, with an additional 15% achieving good subjective palliation. Results did not differ significantly for hyperthermia alone or combined with another modality, but the trend favored combination therapy. Mortality and morbidity were acceptable and not significantly increased by adding chemotherapy or radiation to the regimen. These results are preliminary and need confirmation by further controlled studies.