Experimental evidence for the efficacy of combined therapy of CPT-11 and hyperthermia for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Background/Aims: The aim of the current study was to show an anti-tumor effect for esophageal squamous carcinoma cells derived from a combination of hyperthermia and CPT-11, which would ultimately lead to the clinical usage of this therapeutic modality for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Methodology: Survival fraction of esophageal squamous carcinoma cells after administrating SN-38, active metabolite of CPT-11, and combination of hyperthermia and SN-38 was compared using data measured by MTT assay. Results: Reduction of cell survival fraction derived by simultaneous induction of hyperthermia and SN-38, in many combinations of the temperature and charging period, was significantly greater than that acquired by SN-38 alone. Conclusions: Combination of hyperthermia and CPT-11 can exert a synergic anti-tumor efficacy for SCC of the esophagus.