**Author details**

122 Hyperthermia

nanoparticles in the treatment of human cancer.

nanoparticles in locally recurrent prostate cancer. Treatment planning was carried out using computerized tomography (CT) of the prostate. Based on the individual anatomy of the prostate and the estimated specific absorption rate (SAR) of magnetic fluids in prostatic tissue, the number and position of magnetic fluid depots required for sufficient heat deposition was calculated while rectum and urethra were spared. Nanoparticle suspensions were injected transperineally into the prostate under transrectal ultrasound and flouroscopy guidance. Treatments were delivered in the first magnetic field applicator for use in humans, using an alternating current magnetic field with a frequency of 100 kHz and variable field strength (0–18 kAm-1). Invasive thermometry of the prostate was carried out in the first and last of six weekly hyperthermia sessions of 60 min duration. CT-scans of the prostate were repeated following the first and last hyperthermia treatment to document magnetic nanoparticle distribution and the position of the thermometry probes in the prostate. Nanoparticles were retained in the prostate during the treatment interval of 6 weeks. Using appropriate software (AMIRA), a non-invasive estimation of temperature values in the prostate, based on intra-tumoural distribution of magnetic nanoparticles, can be performed and correlated with invasively measured intra-prostatic temperatures. Using a specially designed cooling device, treatment was well tolerated without anesthesia. In the first patient treated, maximum and minimum intraprostatic temperatures measured at field strength of 4.0–5.0 kAm-1 were 48.50C and 40.00C during the 1st treatment and 42.50C and 39.40C during the 6th treatment, respectively. These first clinical experiences prompted us to initiate a phase I study to evaluate feasibility, toxicity and quality of life during hyperthermia using magnetic nanoparticles in patients with biopsy-proven local recurrence of prostate cancer following radiotherapy with curative intent. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on clinical application of interstitial hyperthermia using magnetic

Akihiko et al have developed a novel hyperthermic treatment modality using magnetic materials for metastatic bone tumors. The purpose of this study is to show the results of novel hyperthermia for metastatic bone tumors. This novel hyperthermic treatment modality was used for 15 patients with 16 metastatic bone lesions. In seven lesions, after curettage of the metastatic lesion followed by reinforcement with a metal intra-medullary nail or plate, calcium phosphate cement (CPC) containing powdery Fe3O4 was implanted into the cavity. In one lesion, prosthetic reconstruction was then performed after an intralesional tumor excision. For the remaining eight lesions, metal intra-medullary nails were inserted into the affected bone. Hyperthermic therapy was started at 1 week postoperatively. To comparatively evaluate the radiographic results of patients who underwent hyperthermia (HT group), the authers also assessed eight patients who received a palliative operation without either radiotherapy or hyperthermia (Op group), and 22 patients who received operation in combination with postoperative radiotherapy (Op + RT group). In HT group, all patients had an acceptable limb function with pain relief without any complications. On radiographs, 87, 38, and 91% were, respectively, considered to demonstrate an effective treatment outcome in HT group, Op group, and Op + RT group. The patients in HT group showed a statistically better radiographic outcome than the El-Sayed El-Sherbini *National Institute of Laser Enhanced Science (NILES), Cairo University, Egypt* 

Ahmed El-Shahawy *Children Cancer Hospital, Cairo, Egypt* 
