Interstitial microwave thermal therapy and its application to the treatment of recurrent prostate cancer M. D. Sherar A1 A2 A4, J. Trachtenberg A1 A3, S. R. H. Davidson A1, M. R. Gertner A1 A1 Medical Physics Division Ontario Cancer Institute/Princess Margaret Hospital Toronto Canada A2 Department of Medical Biophysics University of Toronto Toronto Canada A3 Department of Surgery University of Toronto Toronto Canada A4 London Regional Cancer Centre/London Health Sciences Centre and Department of Oncology University of Western Ontario Canada Abstract: Interstitial microwave thermal therapy may be an effective alternative to surgery for the treatment of some solid tumours. Arrays of helical antennae can produce complex heating patterns which when combined with active cooling of normal tissue structures can provide conformal heating for thermal coagulation of tumours. The development of a clinical protocol involving phantom and animal model studies, treatment planning, tissue property measurement and methods for on-line treatment monitoring is reviewed. The technology developed has been applied to the problem of recurrent prostate cancer following failed radiation treatment where available curative options are associated with high normal tissue morbidity. The purpose was to develop a treatment option for this group of patients with a very low side-effect profile that would not preclude further treatment if the disease progressed. Results of a Phase I/II trial demonstrate safety, promising efficacy and a low complication rate. As the technology for delivering this treatment matures, larger multi-institutional trials should be considered. International Journal of Hyperthermia Issue: Volume 20, Number 7 / November 2004 Pages: 757 - 768 10.1080/02656730410001734146 Special Issue: Thermal Ablation Therapy Guest Editors: P. R. Stauffer and S. Nahum Goldberg Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.