Thermal therapy with radiofrequency for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma: a pilot study

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin malignancy. Hyperthermia is used as adjuvant therapy together with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of some cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thermotherapy in the treatment of BCCs. Methods: This pilot trial was carried out on five patients with nodular or superficial BCCs on the scalp and face. Thermotherapy was done at 50° C for a duration of 30 seconds with a radiofrequency device (Thermomed 1.8 thermosurgery technologies). Thermotherapy treatment was applied only in one session. The first follow-up was one week after the procedure and then every month for six months. The last follow-up was one year after the procedure. Results: All patients showed clearance of the tumors. Blisters, ulcers, crusts, and necrosis were the side effects, which healed with acceptable degrees of scarring. No recurrence was observed at the end of the study. Conclusion: Thermotherapy was safe and efficacious for the treatment of BCCs on the scalp and face. It should be considered especially for the low-risk subtypes of this cancer.