Analysis of cell proliferation and cell death during in situ hyperthermic treatment of neoplastic cells: a case report of human non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Review of preclinical data on hyperthermia treatment in lymphomas and its potential for clinical application

INTRODUCTION

Hyperthermia (HT) at temperatures between 39 °C and 44 °C is utilized as an adjunctive cancer therapy, serving as potent radio- and chemosensitizer. Its effectiveness in treating solid malignancies has been well established. This raises the question of whether HT can also benefit patients with nonsolid tumors, such as lymphomas.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the current literature on research involving the use of HT in the treatment of lymphomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. For this purpose, a MeSH-term-defined literature search on MEDLINE (Pubmed) and Embase (Ovid) was conducted from June 25 to June 28, 2024. Included were in vitro studies on lymphoma cell lines and preclinical studies on animal models with lymphoma that were both treated with HT as monotherapy or HT in combination with another treatment, and studies on patients with lymphoma. Excluded were studies that used thermal ablation and hyperthermic perfusions.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies were included, predominantly in vitro studies (n = 32) or studies on animal models (n = 5). The in vitro studies utilized HT either as monotherapy (n = 6), with substances that enhance HT efficacy (n = 18) or as a sensitizer for other treatments (n = 8). Additionally, two clinical case reports on the treatment of lymphoma patients were included.

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro results suggest that HT can have anticancer effects on lymphoma cells and may enhance existing treatments. These findings are supported by in vivo studies and case reports. However, additional clinical data are needed before translation into the clinic can be implemented.

Effects of thermoablation with or without caffeine on giant cell tumour of bone

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of caffeine on the apoptosis rate of giant cell tumour of bone cells during thermoablation.

METHODS

Giant cell tumour of bone tissue (2 cm3) was collected from 10 patients. Cells were incubated at 37ºC, 40ºC, 45ºC, 50ºC, 52.5ºC, and 55ºC for 20 minutes (3 tubes for each temperature). Caffeine was added to the tubes in amounts of 0 μg/ml (control), 50 μg/ml, and 100 μg/ml. The apoptotic effect of thermoablation with or without caffeine was evaluated.

RESULTS

In all test conditions, the apoptotic rate of tumour cells increased when the temperature increased. Compared with controls (no caffeine), adding 50 or 100 μg/ml of caffeine did not increase the apoptotic rate significantly at 40ºC to 52.5ºC. Caffeine had no enhancing effect at any temperature. Conversely, at 55ºC, the apoptotic rate was lower when 100 μg/ml of caffeine was added than when no or 50 μg/ml of caffeine added (p=0.045).

CONCLUSION

Thermoablation at 40ºC to 52.5ºC for 20 minutes increased the apoptosis rate of giant cell tumour of bone cells. Caffeine had no enhancing effect at any temperature. Conversely, at 55ºC, caffeine had cytoprotective effects on the tumour cells against thermoablation.