Review of the current status of whole-body hyperthermia administered by water circulation techniques.

Since the mid 1970's, whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) has been actively investigated for the treatment of patients with cancer in the United States. Two basic techniques are currently used; one involves transcutaneous transfer of heat by circulation of heated water, and, in the other, extracorporeally circulated blood is heated. Studies which have used the water circulation method are compared as to protocol design, toxicities encountered, and responses observed with and without concomitant chemotherapy. In vitro data indicating that faster rates of heating are associated with greater cytotoxicity due to hyperthermia alone or with several anticancer drugs are discussed in relationship to the design of future techniques for administration of WBH.