External microwave (EMW) hyperthermia system (2.45 GHz wave frequency) was evaluated by in vitro studies and in vivo pleural metastasis animal model. Three different non-small-cell lung cancer cells and normal fibroblast cells (control) were treated once a day for 3 days with the prototype EMW system applying mild (39°C), moderate (43°C), and severe (47°C) hyperthermia. On Day-4, tested cells were retrieved and examined by apoptosis assay kit and Western blot analysis. Cancer cells treated with moderate hyperthermia showed significant apoptosis; yet no major damage was observed to normal fibroblast cells. Western blot analysis indicated cleavage on caspase-3, -9 and PARP. Also in the cell cycle analysis, increase of sub G0-G1 population was identified. After optimization of the heating intensity for in vivo environment, we created pleural metastatic animal model in 24 immune deficiency mice (male nu/nu mice) to evaluate inhibitory effect of systemic EMW hyperthermia for disseminated tumor growth. Out of 24 mice, 8 received mild and 8 received moderate hyperthermia, and remaining 8 were the no treatment control. Whole chest area of the experimental animals was irradiated 3 times a week for 2 weeks (total of 6 time irradiations). No significant adverse event was observed including abnormal weight loss, skin burn, ulceration, and death. Metastasized tumors around the pleura and chest cavity were 75% reduced in size and weight compared to non-treated control group. Harvested tumors were stained and TUNEL assay demonstrated significant apoptosis in a moderate hyperthermia group. The EMW hyperthermia system may be possible alternative tool as a systemic hyperthermia therapy in severely advanced lung cancer patients. Further study is necessary to determine device safeness, efficacy, and synergistic effect to other possible combination therapies.

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