Thermoregulation in the canine prostate during transurethral microwave hyperthermia, part II: Blood flow response

Abstract

Recent studies on transurethral-applied local hyperthermia in both the canine and human prostate have revealed significant effects of natural thermoregulation on the therapeutical results in the prostate. Using a thermal clearance method, blood perfusion rates were measured within different regions in the canine prostate under normal and hyperthermic conditions. It has been found that the canine prostatic blood perfusion is strongly linked to the geometrical location within the gland, the local tissue temperature, and the imposed thermal dosage. Results from this research are expected to provide a better understanding of the thermoregu latory behaviour in the canine prostate, and thus lay an important foundation for predicting tissue temperature in the human prostate during transurethral microwave hyperthermia.

Key Words:

• Thermoregulation
• perfusion
• microwave hyperthermia
• canine prostate