Localized Heating System Helps Treat Cervical Cancer

An innovative system uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to deliver heat to solid tumors as an adjunct to radiation therapy in cervical cancer patients who are ineligible for chemotherapy.

The BSD-2000 Hyperthermia System applies regional hyperthermia to deep-seated tumors that are located more than three centimeters under the skin surface. Focused electromagnetic RF energy radiated at about 100 MHz raises the temperature of the tumor region to therapeutic temperatures. The RF power can be adjusted in amplitude and phase to conform the heating pattern to the tumor shape and size. There are two configurations of amplifier and RF generator available, both located remote from the patient and operators.


The DODEK amplifier has 12 power channels and is capable of typically 1,800 Watts of power over most of its frequency range. The TETRA amplifier has 4 power channels and is capable of 1,300 Watts of output power over most of its frequency range. Each channel is monitored and controlled by the computer, and can be individually adjusted for phase and amplitude according to the optimized requirements of each treatment session. Several different applicators are available for treating various tumor locations.

The system is controlled by a computer with an embedded Windows XP operating system, controlled via a cordless keyboard and mouse, with data presented on a large flat screen liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor. Hardcopy treatment reports can be produced by a high-resolution color inkjet printer included with the system. The BSD-2000 Hyperthermia System is a product of BSD Medical (Salt Lake City, UT, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a humanitarian device exemption (HDE).

“We are excited to reach this significant milestone in BSD's history and obtain marketing approval for the BSD-2000 Hyperthermia System,” said Harold Wolcott, CEO of BSD Medical. “This HDE approval provides physicians a new clinical tool for cervical cancer patients who are candidates for radiation therapy but ineligible for chemotherapy, a patient group that has few, if any, therapeutic options.”

Hyperthermia treatment is the process of heating up a specific, small area of sub-dermal tissue, destroying the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. Hyperthermia therapies are almost always used in conjunction with other treatments, such as radiation, to increase their combined effectiveness. While the technology is still undergoing clinical trials, it has been shown to increase some cancers' sensitivity to radiation by destroying both the cells and their signaling proteins. It has also been shown to enhance the effects of certain anticancer drugs.

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