Core Concepts
Heat-induced apoptosis shows promise in treating BCC.
Abstract
The study explores the efficacy of controlled hyperthermia in treating superficial and nodular basal cell cancers (BCCs). Here are the key highlights and insights:
- Dr. Zachary and colleagues developed a noninvasive technique, CHAMP, for BCC treatment.
- The study involved 73 patients with superficial and nodular BCCs, scanned with VivoSight Dx OCT.
- Treatment methods included the Sciton 1,064-nm Er:YAG laser with different pulse durations.
- Results showed high histological clearance rates with the CHAMP method.
- Pretreatment OCT mapping revealed tumor extension beyond clinical margins in some cases.
- Increased vascularity post-treatment suggested apoptosis as the primary mechanism of tumor response.
- The 'Low and Slow' approach with controlled hyperthermia showed promising results.
- Optimal parameters for treatment are still under investigation.
- Dr. Avram expressed optimism about noninvasive BCC treatment approaches becoming standard in the future.
Stats
"For 2,000 years, it's been known that heat can kill cancers."
"Patients were rescanned by OCT at 3 to 12 months for any signs of residual tumor and if positive, were retreated."
"Among the 26 patients treated with the CHAMP method, 22 (84.6%) were histologically clear."
"Currently, he and his colleagues consider 55 degrees at 60 seconds as 'the optimal parameters,' he said."
Quotes
"For 2,000 years, it's been known that heat can kill cancers."
"Hopefully, at some point, such approaches will become the standard of care for many BCCs that we are now treating surgically."