Interstitial laser hyperthermia.

Experimental studies have shown that once the appropriate laser parameters are defined, interstitial laser hyperthermia (ILH) can produce well-defined, predictable tissue necrosis in solid viscera which heal safely with little functional or structural sequelae. Preliminary clinical studies have illustrated that ILH is simple to perform, is well tolerated producing radiological and histological evidence of necrosis in liver, pancreatic, and breast cancer. Its future role in most cases will be palliative, controlling local tumour growth. Where the extent of necrosis can be matched accurately to tumour volume, the prospect for cure exists. Further research is necessary before ILH can be regarded as an established treatment and, in particular, its influence on patient survival is worthy of further evaluation.