Hyperthermia treatment has become a mainstream form of adjunctive therapy in many countries in Europe and Asia. In general it is not used as a sole therapy. It is usually combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, intravenous therapy or other therapies in varying combinations.

We advocate use of hyperthermia in addition to therapies such as chemo and radio therapy.

Hyperthermia achieves an increase of the temperature in the extracellular liquid of the tumour tissue that leads to a destabilizing thermal stress on the membrane of the tumour cells, accelerating cell death (apoptosis)

Hyperthermia may make some cells more sensitive to radiation or may help inhibit other cells that radiation does not damage.

When hyperthermia and radiation therapy are combined, they are preferably given within hours of each other, before or after. Hyperthermia treatment is most effective when provided within 4 to 24 hours of the radiotherapy. Hyperthermia can also enhance the effects of some chemotherapy drugs.

Numerous clinical trials have studied hyperthermia in combination with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

These studies have reviewed the treatment of many types of malignancies, including: sarcoma, melanoma, brain, lung, oesophagus, breast, bladder, rectum, liver, appendix, cervix, and peritoneal lining (mesothelioma).

Many of these studies, but not all, have shown a significant reduction in tumour size when hyperthermia is combined with other treatments.

The Efficacy of Hyperthermia

The efficacy of hyperthermia treatment is related to the temperature achieved during the treatment, as well as the length of treatment and specific cell and tissue characteristics.

It is known that hyperthermia can significantly increase the effectiveness of other treatments.

When combined with radiation, hyperthermia is particularly effective at increasing the damage to acidic, poorly oxygenated parts of a tumour, and cells that are preparing to divide.

Whole body hyperthermia is an effective adjunct or additional treatment for improving immune system function especially for more widespread malignancies.

Whole body hyperthermia has been shown in trials to significantly improve quality of life and tolerance of side effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.