Magnetic fluid hyperthermia therapy for malignant brain tumors--an ethical discussion.

This paper describes the worldwide first nanoparticle-based therapy against brain tumors termed magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) or Nano-Cancer therapy, which now is under investigation in a phase II study. The preliminary results show evidence of a local effectiveness and with only minor to moderate therapy-associated side effects. The evaluation, according to the principles of medical ethics (autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice), supports the further development of the MFH therapy. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: This paper describes the worlwide first nanoparticle-based therapy of brain tumors through local hyperthermia now under investigation in a phase II study. The preliminary results show effectiveness and only minor to moderate side effects. Further development of this novel therapy is justified.