Clinical study of modulated electro‑hyperthermia for advanced metastatic breast cancer

Abstract

Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is a new treatment modality developed to overcome the problems associated with traditional hyperthermia; mEHT uses a precise impedance-matched system and modulated radiofrequency current flow to malignant tumors. It selects the malignant cells based on their biophysical differences, due to their high metabolic rate, individual (autonomic) behavior and membrane status. The aim of the present study was to report the outcomes of mEHT in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. mEHT was examined in 10 patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer and recurrent disease, who were considered incurable by standard therapy protocols. Of the 10 patients, partial response was achieved in 3, disease stability in 3, and progressive disease in 4; however, their quality of life was improved based on their subjective reports. No adverse effects were observed in any of the 10 patients. The present study demonstrated the feasibility of mEHT as a possible therapy for advanced breast cancer cases when standard therapies fail. Moreover, mEHT had no side effects and may be combined with various treatments for long-term therapy.

Heat shock factor 1 inhibition enhances the effects of modulated electro hyperthermia in a triple negative breast cancer mouse model

“…This is achieved by exciting lipid rafts through mEHT-induced heating and inducing double-strand DNA breaks with radiotherapy 46 . Furthermore, studies have demonstrated the additional benefits of mEHT in conjunction with conventional therapies, leading to increased treatment response, improved overall survival, and a lack of side effects 47 – 49 . Thereofre, this combinatorial strategy holds the promise of not only improving the local control of tumors but also potentially minimizing side effects.…”

The Clinical Validation of Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia (mEHT)

“…The mEHT was successfully applied to advanced breast cancer [88], including triplenegative cases [89,90], and leiomyosarcoma of the breast [91]. The study of thirteen patients with complicated, advanced invasive ductal breast carcinoma, mostly triple-negative immunohistochemical status and multiple metastases, showed more than two months of median survival [92].…”

Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia Accelerates Tumor Delivery and Improves Anticancer Activity of Doxorubicin Encapsulated in Lyso-Thermosensitive Liposomes in 4T1-Tumor-Bearing Mice

“…Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is an advanced option in the hyperthermia field that applies a 13.56-radiofrequency electromagnetic current generated by a capacitive coupling setup between two electrodes [ 20 ]. mEHT is approved for cancer therapy in several countries, exhibiting promising results in tumor responses with no serious side effects in different cancer types [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. One great advantage of mEHT is the non-invasiveness [ 26 ], in contrast to RFA, which requires the insertion of a needle into the tumor tissue [ 27 ].…”