Discussion: Thermobiology and Physiology

The discussion on thermobiology and physiology started with a short presentation by Perlaky (Budapest) on a combined treatment of heat, dibromodulcitol and X-rays on the P388tumour. Hyperthermia decreased the incidence of metastases and increased the life span. This holds for the ascites form as well as for the solid form of the P388 tumour. There was also evidence that heat shock proteins developed. This presentation was followed by a short discussion on the subject of whether or not it would be useful to employ modifyers of the physiology in order to enhance the differential effect of heat on tumours versus normal tissues. Well-known proposed modifyers are glucose and vasodilators. Hahn (Stanford) indicated that hydralazine and glucose had appreciable effects on pH of the liver and kidneys of the mouse, particularly in conjunction with the breathing of 5% CO2 in air, and that one should therefore be cautious when applying these agents in the case that either the liver or the kidney are being heated. The latter may be the case in whole body hyperthermia. Roemer (Tucson) added that in the dog the renal blood flow decreases with hydralazine.