Local current field radio frequency hyperthermia for the treatment of superficial skin tumours in cats.

Local current field radiofrequency (LCF-RF) hyperthermia was used to treat 38 superficial skin tumours (predominantly squamous cell carcinomas) of the nose, face and ears in 35 cats. LCF-RF hyperthermia was applied at 50 degrees C for 60 seconds at single or multiple sites depending on the tumour size. Each cat was observed over a four-month period after treatment and 14 out of 35 cases were also available for re-evaluation eight months after treatment. Tumours which had not resolved completely within one month after the initial treatment were re-treated. LCF-RF hyperthermia is most suited for the treatment of superficial skin tumours (<5 mm diameter). Ninety-two per cent (12/13) of tumours of this dimension showed some regression and 69% (9/13) completely resolved. Larger tumours >5mm diameter) were also successfully treated. 54% (8/14) regressed but only 14% (2/14) completely resolved. LCF-RF hyperthermia is not recommended for the treatment of tumours of the pinnae as 5 of the 6 tumours at this site failed to respond.