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Abstract
rate of 62% was caused by the long-term indwelling temperature probe sheaths. Infection was observed in four patients, small bowel fistula in one, and dislodgement of the temperature probe sheath requiring repeat CT was necessary in seven patients. After maximal escalation of RF power in seven patients (33%), deep hyperthermia compatible with thermal destruction of tumour (43°C for 45 min) was recorded in all subsequent treatments. In eight patients (38%), heat generation compatible with chemotherapy augmentation (41.5-43°C) was consistently recorded. In six patients, non-therapeutic temperatures were recorded. There was no correlation of maximal tumour temperature, maximal subcutaneous tissue temperature and maximal RF power. With the use of skin anaesthetic there was no correlation of tumour temperature and the thickness of the subcutaneous layer of the skin. Progression was seen in 14 patients, and 11 of these patients died. No patients who showed disease stabilization have died with a minimum of 2 year follow-up. Approximately 2/3 of Western patients can safely tolerate deep hyperthermia compatible with thermal destruction or chemotherapy augmentation with the use of skin anaesthetics. Thermal monitoring remained a problem in this investigation, in that there was a high incidence of adverse events. Increased temperature measured in subcutaneous tissue and tumour did not show a correlation with each other, with RF power, or with occurrence of complications. With localized mucinous tumours of appendiceal origin, deep hyperthermia with escalations of heat to maximal levels tolerated by the patient should continue to be pursued for a remarkable prolonged survival and excellent quality of life was seen in selected patients.