Hyperthermia, Neutrons Protons and Carbon Ions

What is Hadron Therapy?

A type of particle therapy using beams of neutrons, protons, or heavy ions.

What did Hippocrates state about hyperthermia?

Those who cannot be cured by medicine can be cured by surgery; those who cannot be cured by surgery can be cured by fire (hyperthermia).

What temperature range is effective for cell killing due to hyperthermia?

41.5-46.5 degrees Celsius.

Which phase of the cell cycle is the most resistant to radiation but the most sensitive to hyperthermia?

S phase.

How does hypoxia affect cells in terms of radiation therapy?

Hypoxia protects cells from killing using high energy x-rays.

How do acidic cells respond to heat in hyperthermia treatment?

Cells that are highly acidic are more sensitive to heat.

What is thermotolerance?

The resistance induced in cells by one heat exposure.

What are some methods of heating patients for hyperthermia treatment?

Microwaves, RF-induced currents, and ultrasound.

What was observed in the Netherlands study regarding cervical cancer treatment combining radiation and hyperthermia?

CR rate was 83% for RT + HT compared to 57% for RT alone.

What chemotherapy agents showed potentiation by heat?

Mitomycin C, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, Bleomycin, and Vincristine.

What is isolated limb perfusion used for in melanoma treatment?

An extremity is isolated to deliver large doses of chemotherapy locally with hyperthermia.

What is a key issue with neutron therapy historically?

Most studies showed no advantages over x-ray treatments.

What is the Bragg peak in proton therapy?

The point where proton therapy delivers a lower absorbed dose to normal tissues compared to high-energy x-rays.

What is a noted characteristic of carbon ions in heavy ion beam therapy?

They have less lateral scattering but a nuclear fragmentation tail beyond the Bragg peak.