The disappointing results for inoperable, locally advanced or recurrent solid @entity5 of the uterine cervix, rectum, chest wall, liver and deep seated, high-risk @entity242 after conventional radiotherapy alone necessitate the search for improved treatments. A benefit from simultaneous radiochemotherapy with regard to @entity5 control and survival has been shown for a rising number of @entity5 entities. Radiofrequency @entity221 is established in only a few centres, and represents another option to intensify the effect of radio- and chemotherapy. Altogether 11 randomised phase III trials with more than 1,000 @entity1 proved the combination of @entity221 (40-42 degrees C for at least 1 h) and radiation therapy in reference to @entity5 control. Two of these trials could demonstrate a survival benefit; e.g. in locally advanced cervical @entity5 , stage FIGO IIB-IVa, the 3-year survival was improved from 27 to 51% with the addition of @entity221 . Frequently trial design (main endpoint @entity5 control), a low number of @entity1 or a short follow- up period are the reasons why most trials of thermoradiotherapy failed to demonstrate a survival benefit. Disadvantageous effects of @entity221 like an increased rate of distant metastases as a result of @entity221 -induced elevated perfusion can be largely ruled out. While at the moment the equivalence of thermoradiotherapy and radiochemotherapy is still under evaluation, future studies have to investigate the question whether @entity221 can add benefits when used in combination with simultaneous radiochemotherapy. An ongoing investigation of @entity221 in multimodal treatment strategies for locally advanced solid @entity5 is warranted. These trials will help to improve temperature monitoring and temperature distribution and define particular groups of @entity1 who will profit from the addition of @entity221 . The 'Interdisziplin  re Arbeitsgruppe Hyperthermie', a working group of the German @entity5 Society, introduces clinical protocols, treatment devices, and provides information for @entity1 at www.hyperthermie.org.

Current and potential role of thermoradiotherapy for solid XXXX .

@entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['local tumour', 'cancer', 'tumours', 'Cancer', 'tumour'] @entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity221 :: ('MESH:D005334', 'Disease') :: ['hyperthermia'] @entity242 :: ('MESH:D012509', 'Disease') :: ['sarcomas']
@entity5 :: (MESH:D009369,Disease) :: ['tumours']
