ABSTRACT
Hyperthermia experiments in which heat is applied to the entire organism prior to evaluation of immune function are hampered by problems of precise temperature measurement, by variations in temperature within the body, and by nonhomogeneous exposure of segments of the immune system to temperature changes. With the increasing use of hyperthermia as an adjunct to standard treatment modalities for a variety of tumors, it is important to consider the effects of heat on cellular immunity. Functional integrity of the immune system is of obvious value to the patient, both for general resistance to infection and for potential protection against tumor re-growth or metastasis. During hyperthermia, heat is either applied locally to the tumor mass or the temperature of the entire body is raised. Under local hyperthermia treatment regimens, immunocytes embedded in the tumor tissue, lymph nodes within the heated region, and cells which circulate through the heated region are exposed to increased temperatures.
