The use of single fibre for interstitial low power laser hyperthermia (1-2 W) is associated with the development of a lesion of thermal necrosis measuring 1.4-1.8 cm in liver, pancreas and prostate. These lesions heal safely and can be well visualised with ultrasound. The use of a multiple fibre (4) system has enabled the production of larger lesions in all these organs which take a longer time to heal than single fibre lesions, but do so safely. Again, ultrasound enables these lesions to be studied in their creation and in their resolution. Following this experimental work early clinical application to a variety of otherwise untreatable tumours (breast, skin, pancreas and liver) has been carried out. This has resulted in a partial response in all treated and complete response in a smaller number of cases. The method appears to be safe and practical for the treatment of some tumours.
|