[Radiation therapy combined with local hyperthermia: a preliminary report of clinical experiences (author's transl)].

First clinical results from a total of 62 patients treated by localized hyperthermia combined with additional megavoltage therapy are reported. Evaluation of the treatment results was possible in 49 cases. Of these, 30 underwent additional treatment with hyperthermia. The local results of radiation therapy could be improved by hyperthermia, no intensification of radiation effects upon sound tissues being detected. This effectiveness of hyperthermia was impressive especially with tumors containing extended necrotic parts, e.g. glioblastomas, carcinomas of the oropharynx or hypopharynx, and tumors of the skin. Regarding routine application of localized hyperthermia, there is a series of essential problems still to be solved.