Potential role of physical therapists in hyperthermia in cancer therapy. The need for further training.

Clinical trials using hyperthermia in the treatment of local and regional malignant tumors have demonstrated significant potential for hyperthermia to become one of the important adjunctive modalities in cancer management. As this treatment method is used more widely, more allied health practitioners with basic knowledge and training in hyperthermia will be needed to administer hyperthermia treatments. Currently, a variety of allied health professionals such as nurses, radiation therapy technologists, and physical therapists are recruited to operate hyperthermia equipment. No formal programs exist, however, for training these practitioners to administer hyperthermia treatments properly. Just as federal regulations on investigational medical devices ensure the effectiveness and safety of their application, guidelines for the training and education of hyperthermia equipment operators will benefit the welfare of cancer patients who receive these treatments. The Food and Drug Administration awarded a contract to the University of Washington to initiate a preliminary study to develop guidelines and recommendations for training hyperthermia equipment operators. This article presents the results of the study and our preliminary impressions.