The Dutch Deep Hyperthermia Trial: results in cervical cancer

Background : Radiotherapy plus hyperthermia was compared to radiotherapy alone in the Dutch Deep Hyperthermia Trial, in patients with advanced bladder, cervical, and rectal tumours. The overall results, published elsewhere, demonstrate that addition of hyperthermia to radiotherapy improves both pelvic control and overall survival rates. The therapeutic gain appeared especially worthwhile in locally advanced cervical tumours. Here, the results in patients with cervical cancer are summarized and discussed, and further details provided. Methods : From 1990-1996, 114 patients with cervical cancer were entered into this prospective randomized trial. RT was applied to a median total dose of 68 Gy. HT was given once weekly. The median follow-up time was 43 months. All randomized patients were included in the statistical analysis, which was done by intention to treat . The primary end points of the trial were complete response (CR) and duration of pelvic control (PC), secondary end points were overall survival (O...