Regulation of core body temperature during whole body hyperthermia by oesophageal temperature feedback.

The use of whole-body hyperthermia as an adjuvant mode of therapy for metastatic cancer requires an accurate control of core body temperature so that the high temperatures encountered during treatment may be safely employed. Heating of the patient is accomplished by use of high-perfusion water-heated blankets. The temperature of the water circulating through the blankets is regulated by digital feedback control, using patient oesophageal temperature as a reference. A forced air heat exchanger is used to cool the circulating water once the control temperature is reached. Patient core body temperatures are currently being maintained at 41·8°C±0·1°C for time periods of up to four hours.