Enhanced tumor control in non-small cell lung cancer using intensity-modulated radiotherapy combined with microwave hyperthermia: A retrospective study

This study aimed to investigate the enhanced tumor control in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with microwave hyperthermia (MWD). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 134 patients with NSCLC admitted to our hospital from March 2021 to February 2024. Among them, 66 patients received IMRT alone (IMRT group) and 68 patients received IMRT combined with MWD (combined group). Tumor control rates, serum tumor markers, immune function, and toxic side effects were evaluated. The tumor control rate was significantly higher in the combined group (82.35%) than in the IMRT group (69.70%; P < .05). After treatment, the combined group showed significantly lower levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), cytokeratin 19-fragments (Cyfra21-1), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) compared to the IMRT group (P < .05). Furthermore, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratios in the combined group were significantly higher than those in the IMRT group (P < .05). No significant difference in toxic side effects was observed between the 2 groups (P > .05). IMRT combined with MWD for NSCLC can effectively downregulate tumor markers, restore immune function, and improve tumor control rates without increasing toxicity.