Research archive · This publication is preserved from the LEMMO Cancer Care library. Findings are specific to the study design and population and may not reflect current clinical practice.
Eur J Cancer. 2001 Jun;37(9):1111-7.
A pilot study of whole body hyperthermia and carboplatin in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Westermann AM, Grosen EA, Katschinski DM, Jäger D, Rietbroek R, Schink JC, Tiggelaar CL, Jäger E, Zum Vörde sive Vörding P, Neuman A, Knuth A, Van Dijk JD,Wiedemann GJ, Robins HI.
Source
The Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of whole body hyperthermia (WBH) to carboplatin (CBDCA) can induce responses in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. 16 pretreated patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer were entered on a Systemic Hyperthermia Oncological Working Group (SHOWG) study; (14 patients were eligible with 14 evaluable for toxicity and 12 for response). The patients were treated with WBH (Aquatherm) 41.8 degrees C x 60 min in combination with carboplatin (CBDCA) (area under the curve (AUC) of 8) every 4 weeks. Disease status was evaluated every two cycles. Patients were treated for a maximum of six cycles. One patient had a complete response (CR) and 4 had a partial response (PR). 4 patients had stable disease (SD). 3 patients had progressive disease (PD). 2 patients were unevaluable: 1 had a bowel obstruction shortly after her first treatment; the second patient achieved a CR, but only had one treatment secondary to an idiosyncratic reaction to sedative drugs. 2 patients entered on study were ineligible, as they did not meet criteria for platinum resistance; 1 entered a CR and 1 had SD. Dose-limiting toxicity, which required CBDCA dose reductions, was grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Other toxicities included neutropenia (grade 3/4), and nausea and/or vomiting. Consistent with preclinical modelling, these results suggests that 41.8 degrees C WBH can overcome platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. These observations suggest further investigation of the therapeutic potential of WBH in a group of patients who historically fail to respond to salvage therapies is warranted.