albert@ucbvax.ARPA (Anthony Albert) (10/05/85)
I am interested in obtaining sources of the most recent research information regarding phased array hyperthermia, which is a new type of hyperthermia treatment capable of hyperfocusing microwave radiation at deep-seated tumors in the human body. It is especially useful with inoperable brain tumors. I am most interested in finding out if any current research is being done with such phased array systems combined with magnetic resonance imaging and computer-assisted thermography to assist in the treatment procedure. This is a very new field and is thought to have great promise in the treatment of cancer, especially in light of the recent advances in magnetic imaging technique, which can be used to monitor microwave transmission through various tissues in the body. -- Anthony Albert ..!ucbvax!albert albert@ucbvax.berkeley.edu
sdyer@bbncc5.UUCP (Steve Dyer) (10/06/85)
I have nothing to offer on your questions on microwave-induced hyperthermia in the treatment of cancer, but you used the phrase "malignant hyperthermia" in the Keywords: field of your message. "Malignant hyperthermia" isn't hyperthermia used to treat malignancies, but rather a precise clinical phrase describing a paradoxical reaction to general anesthesia consisting of muscular rigidity, acidosis and rapidly rising temperature. It is a medical emergency, and without prompt, agressive treatment, it can be fatal. Luckily, in the past few years, a drug (dantrolene) has been introduced that arrests the runaway biochemical pathway which produces the syndrome in susceptible people. I hope this saves you from chasing down a few irrelevant references! -- /Steve Dyer {harvard,seismo}!bbnccv!bbncc5!sdyer sdyer@bbncc5.ARPA