Canine bone marrow as a potential thermal sanctuary during the plateau phase of 41.8°C whole body hyperthermia

Abstract

Whole body hyperthermia (WBH) is currently being evaluated as an adjunct to various forms of antineoplastic therapy. In this regard, the uniformity of temperature in an individual subject, induced by any given WBH system, is a significant factor. Preliminary animal investigations suggested that the bone marrow temperature may differ from core temperature during 41.8°C WBH. To quantitatively evaluate this possible phenomena, dogs were utilized in conjunction with a radiant heat WBH system. It was found that mean bone marrow temperature was significantly less than core (i.e. rectal) temperature (p<0.001), i.e. 0.27°C for the ilium 0.40°C for the humerus and 0.95°C for the tibia. The implications of these results to current clinical trials are discussed.

Key Words:

• Bone marrow temperature
• temperature uniformity
• canine
• whole body hyperthermia
• radiant heat