Thermo-chemotherapy of the advanced pancreas carcinoma

The results of chemotherapy of pancreas carcinoma are still disappointing. In nearly all cases the disease progresses, response rates to cytotoxic therapy are low and the 5-year survival rate amounts to 1%. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether response rate, time to progression and survival time can be improved by the combination of cytostatic treatment and loco-regional hyperthermia (thermo-chemotherapy). Results: According to the standard criteria, 1 patient had a complete remission, 10 patients had a partial remission; 7 patients did not respond to the therapy and showed progressive disease. Thermo-chemotherapy as applied in this clinical study shows a remarkable clinical outcome in advanced pancreas cancer and is well tolerated. The results suggest further evaluation in randomized trials.