Balapur

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy andor chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced cancers such as head and neck, cervix, breast, oesophagus, and anorectal cancers. This registry trial is conducted at MGIMS in a rural setting with limited resources, focusing on cost-effective cancer treatments that do not add significant side effects. Hyperthermia is being studied as a treatment that raises tumor temperature to enhance the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy while being affordable for low-income settings. Hyperthermia treatment is delivered using a repurposed shortwave diathermy machine operating at 27.1 MHz. Patients receive hyperthermia once or twice weekly for 60 to 90 minutes, depending on their tolerance. They may be treated with radiotherapy and hyperthermia, concurrent chemoradiotherapy and hyperthermia, or neoadjuvant chemotherapy and hyperthermia followed by surgery or radiotherapy. Tumor responses and treatment side effects are assessed using standard clinical criteria during and after treatment. Participants undergo evaluations of tumor control, disease-free survival, and overall survival at scheduled time points, including 3 months and about 1 year after treatment. Safety is monitored by recording acute and late treatment-related side effects. Researchers also assess the feasibility of using the modified diathermy device for delivering hyperthermia. The study involves regular follow-up visits and clinical assessments to collect uniform data on outcomes and safety over the study period.