Regional hyperthermia in the treatment of primary hepatic carcinoma

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this research was to investigate the clinical significance of regional hyperthermia in the treatment of primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC). Methods: The regional hyperthermia (60 degrees C) was used whenever there was suspicion of residual cancer tissues on the edge of the hepatic resection. The hyperthermia was maintained for about 5-20 min depending on the size and the amounts of residual nodulus. If there was obvious necrosis on the hyperthermia-treated site, the solidified tissues were removed. Otherwise, the solidified tissues were kept in situ. Results: There were 68 cases of PHC patients in this study. The patients were divided into 4 groups: A, lobectomy, 14 cases; B, lobectomy plus regional hyperthermia, 12 cases; C, regional hepatectomy, 16 cases; D, regional hepatectomy plus regional hyperthermia, 26 cases. All patients were followed after their operations. The mean survival time of the 4 groups was as follows: Group A, 346.5 days (186-921 days); Group B, 432.6 days (254-1189 days); Group C, 525.4 days (192-1016 days); and Group D, 1142 (from 318 days to seven years and two months) days. There were significant differences between Groups A and B (P < 0.01) and between Groups C and D (P < 0.01). It seems that regional hyperthermia on the hepatic resection edge can prolong patients' survival time. Conclusions: Regional hyperthermia on the hepatic resection edge is helpful for prolonging patients' survival time in the treatment of primary hepatic carcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2000;74:193-195. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.