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| Vol. 21, No. 6 |
| Apri 1, 1999 |
 UT-Houston Oncologist Studying Heat Treatment for Cancer An innovative cancer therapy undergoing clinical trials at The University of Texas-Houston may soon be part of a new approach to fighting the disease without invasive treatment and major side effects. Dr. Joan Bull, director of the oncology division at UT-Houston's Medical School, is currently conducting two studies on a cancer treatment known as hyperthermia, or "fever therapy." The theory behind hyperthermia is that raising the body temperature either damages cancer cells or deprives them of substances needed to thrive, thus causing tumors to shrink in size. "Heat destroys the flow of blood to the tumor. It also acts against angiogenesis, or growth of new blood vessels," says Dr. Bull. Some researchers advocate heating just one region of the body, but Dr. Bull is testing whole-body hyperthermia. The study is being conducted in patients with cancer of the colon, stomach, and pancreas. Although the number of study participants whose tumors completely disappeared remains small, Dr. Bull says she has still seen significant progress. Up to 50 percent of patients in the study who undergo both hyperthermia and chemotherapy have seen their tumors either shrink or stop growing. In pancreatic cancer, the partial response rate is as high as 70 percent. Dr. Bull hopes to publish study results in 18 months, but would like to expand the number of participants before promoting hyperthermia as an effective treatment. - The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center Changes In Diet Extinguish Heartburn Some relatively simple lifestyle and diet changes can prevent heartburn before it even starts. "Heartburn refers to a sensation of warmth behind the breast bone and is caused by stomach contents that backflow, or reflux," says Dr. Gulchin Ergun, medical director of the Reflux Center at Baylor College of Medicine and The Methodist Hospital. More than 15 million Americans suffer from heartburn, which is one of the common symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). While the symptoms can usually be alleviated with over-the-counter antacids, there are other ways to avoid the discomfort of heartburn. Dr. Ergun lists orange, grapefruit and pineapple juices, foods that contain large amounts of vinegar, aspirin, alcohol, caffeine, tomato products, and chocolate as potential "heart burners." She also recommends staying away from large or excessively fatty meals and not eating two to three hours before lying down. If symptoms occur more than two to three times a week, are present for long periods of time, do not respond to treatment with over-the-counter medications, or include vomiting blood, excessive pain and swallowing difficulties, Dr. Ergun recommends consulting a physician for further evaluation. - Baylor College of Medicine Replacement Therapy Available for Testosterone Deficiency Women may be well informed about estrogen replacement after menopause, but it's a little known fact that men suffering from age-related testosterone depletion can benefit from replacement therapy. As a man ages, testosterone levels tend to flatten out and begin to decrease over time, which can lead to menopause-like symptoms including mood swings, decreased sex drive, fatigue, muscle and bone loss and even hot flashes in some men. The condition is known as hypogonadism. In the February issue of the UT Lifetime Health Letter, Dr. Philip Orlander, director of the endocrinology division at The University of Texas-Houston Medical School, says that men experiencing these symptoms should get a blood test to assess their testosterone level, and to learn what's causing it. Tumors of the pituitary gland or chronic illnesses can also lower testosterone levels. The good news is that testosterone replacement therapy can help. Dr. Orlander says the hormone is administered either by intramuscular injections, or with a transdermal patch, cream, or gel. Injections are cheaper, but they result in very high testosterone levels for several days, followed by below normal levels before the next dose. Transdermal patches are up to 10 times more expensive, but they provide more natural hormone levels. Replacement therapy improves mood and energy levels, as well as sexual arousal and enjoyment, and increases bone mass. Dr. Orlander warns that it is not a cure for impotence. - The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center
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