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Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics
Medknow Publications on behalf of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI)
ISSN: 0973-1482 EISSN: 1998-4138
Vol. 2, Num. 2, 2006, pp. 31-31
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Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, Vol. 2, No. 2, April-June, 2006, pp. 31
Editorial
Why India is cold to heat
Huilgol NagrajG
Chief Division of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Balabhai
Nanavati Hospital, S. V. Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai - 400 056
Correspondence Address:Chief Division of Radiation Oncology, Dr.
Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, S. V. Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai - 400 056,
nagrajh@vsnl.net
Code Number: cr06007
Hyperthermia could turn out to be among the most powerful anticancer weapons yet, says a press release in Boston Globe; a leading paper in USA, Mark Dewhirst recently quoted eight positive clinical trials involving Hyperthermia and Radiation or Chemotherapy. The euphoria generated in the eighties, waned quickly. There weren′t enough positive trials to sustain the enthusiasm and attention of the oncologists. Emergences of effective cytotoxic drugs meant, obscurity of Hyperthermia as a modality.
The scenario is fast changing. Hyperthermia as a modality of cancer
treatment, is reemerging. The technology of heating has improved. Sales
of heating machines have increased in USA, after the modality was considered
eligible for reimbursements by leading insurance agencies. The growth
of sales in China, also have increased. Sadly, India, the future super
power, has only two established centers for Hyperthermia.
The reluctance of the radiation oncologists in India to adopt Hyperthermia,
is inexplicable. One of the reasons perhaps, is lack of easy access to
technology. It is also the economics of setting up a capital-intensive
machine. It is not very attractive for most of the hospitals. There is
a need for affordable technology. This can help more centers for promoting
this important modality. Affordable technology can come only with innovations
and indiginisation. A Hyperthermia unit must have a combination of technologies
like ultrasound, microwave and RF systems. Whole body Hyperthermia for
systemic cancer is emerging. There are ongoing trials to test the effectiveness
of liposomal Doxorubicin, with Hyperthermia. Magnetic resonance-based non-invasive
thermometry, should help plan the treatment better. Computerized planning
systems can help in addressing thermal profiles in the tumour. There are
exciting advances in this area. Unfortunately, many oncologists are cold
towards Hyperthermia. It might change, with medical oncologists and drug
companies taking interest in the modality.
JCRT has entered the second year, since inception. The feed back from
various readers has been very encouraging. The editorial board will continue
to
innovate on different formats. The present issue is a bouquet of invited
reviews, clinical trials and reports, from basic sciences. We had to include
many case reports, as we are being inundated by them. The invited review
by Dr. N. R. Dutta deals with the latest technology of radiation oncology,
while G. Fiorentini presents a new concept in Hyperthermia. Cancer of gall
bladder is an uncommon malignancy. Umesh Mahantshetty′s retrospective analysis gives an insight, into the management of cancer of gall bladder. 2 deoxy glucose has reached a phase III trial. Dr. Dwarkanath, who has done pioneering research, has presented the in vivo data.
We hope you enjoy reading JCRT.
Copyright 2006 - Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics
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