Interstitial Hyperthermia

Local hyperthermia of malignant tumours coupled with radiotherapy or chemother- apy is attracting increasing attention in both experimental and c1inical applica- tions. However, this involves a number of technical problems, not only in the generation of the heat, but above all in physically determining the distribution of this heat in the target area. Radiological brachytherapy has enjoyed a massive revival thanks to the afterload- ing methods, which have made possible the safe application of radiation without affecting operating personnel. It was therefore a logical step to combine brachy- therapy with hyperthermia. This led to a new and promising method of treatment in oncology, and it is highly praiseworthy that Dr. HANDL-ZELLER has undertaken the task of bringing together the leading scientists and c1inicians on this specialised sector at the present time to publish their experimental and c1inical findings and results in book form. It is not possible to list and describe all the valuable contributions at this juncture.