Hyperthermia therapy

A treatment method using heat to treat cancer and other conditions

A hyperthermia machine used in treatment

Hyperthermia therapy is a type of medical treatment in which body tissue is exposed to higher temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells or to make cancer cells more sensitive to the effects of radiation and certain anticancer drugs. This therapy is used in conjunction with other forms of cancer treatment, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Mechanism of Action

Hyperthermia therapy works by raising the temperature of the tumor tissue to between 40°C and 45°C (104°F to 113°F). At these temperatures, cancer cells become more susceptible to damage from radiation and chemotherapy. The heat can also directly kill cancer cells by denaturing proteins and damaging cellular structures.

Types of Hyperthermia Therapy

There are several types of hyperthermia therapy, each targeting different areas of the body:

Local Hyperthermia

Local hyperthermia involves applying heat to a small area, such as a tumor. This can be done using various techniques, including:

• Microwave therapy
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Ultrasound therapy

Regional Hyperthermia

Regional hyperthermia is used to treat larger areas of tissue, such as an organ or limb. Techniques include:

• Perfusion
• Deep tissue heating

Whole-body Hyperthermia

Whole-body hyperthermia is used to treat metastatic cancer that has spread throughout the body. This involves raising the body temperature to 39°C to 41°C (102°F to 106°F) using thermal chambers or hot water blankets.

Applications in Cancer Treatment

Hyperthermia therapy is primarily used in the treatment of cancer. It is often combined with other treatments to enhance their effectiveness. Some cancers that may be treated with hyperthermia include:

• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Lung cancer
• Melanoma

Advantages and Limitations

Hyperthermia therapy offers several advantages, such as enhancing the effects of radiation and chemotherapy and potentially reducing the size of tumors. However, it also has limitations, including:

• Difficulty in precisely controlling temperature
• Potential damage to surrounding healthy tissue
• Limited availability of specialized equipment

Related pages

• Cancer treatment
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Oncology