[net.med] Need Source for information about clinical hyperthermia

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