What Is Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment?
Hyperthermia is a cancer treatment that involves heating the body tissue to temperatures higher than normal, typically between 104 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit (40 to 45 degrees Celsius). Hyperthermia generates heat to create more blood supply to the area. Because cancers have such a high rate of metabolism, when they are warmed up with far infrared heat for example, they literally over-metabolize themselves to death.
Some cancers are associated with viruses. You can make the body produce more heat shock proteins – one of the most common proteins in life on the planet, widely distributed all throughout Nature. Shock proteins were discovered when they exposed cell cultures and critters to heat shock. The body uses them to respond to all manner of stresses. They allow healthy cells to persist in the face of adversity. Some cancer cells can use it to for their own survival so it cuts both ways.
Types of hyperthermia treatment
There are several types of hyperthermia treatment, including:
External Hyperthermia: This type of hyperthermia involves applying heat to the skin surface using various techniques such as microwave, radiofrequency, ultrasound, or infrared radiation. External hyperthermia can be administered locally to the affected area or regionally to a broader area.
Internal Hyperthermia: Internal hyperthermia, also known as interstitial hyperthermia, involves inserting heat sources directly into the cancerous area of the body using a probe, catheter, or needle. Internal hyperthermia can be administered locally or regionally.
Regional Hyperthermia: Regional hyperthermia involves heating a larger area of the body, such as an organ or limb, using external or internal hyperthermia techniques.
Whole-body Hyperthermia: Whole-body hyperthermia involves heating the entire body, typically through immersion in a hot water bath or exposure to warm air. This type of hyperthermia is less commonly used for cancer treatment.
How Hyperthermia Treats Cancer
This treatment is typically used in combination with other cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Hyperthermia works by several mechanisms, including increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation and chemotherapy, damaging cancer cells directly, and enhancing the body's immune response.
When cancer cells are exposed to higher temperatures, they become more vulnerable to radiation and chemotherapy. Hyperthermia can make cancer cells more susceptible to these treatments, allowing for lower doses of radiation or chemotherapy to be used, which can reduce side effects.
Hyperthermia can also cause physical and biochemical changes in cancer cells that lead to their destruction. The heat can disrupt the cancer cells' DNA and other cellular structures, ultimately causing the cell to die.
In addition, hyperthermia can stimulate the immune system, which can help to destroy cancer cells. The heat can increase the activity of immune cells and enhance the production of cytokines, which are molecules that signal the immune system to attack cancer cells.
It's important to note that hyperthermia is not a standalone treatment and is typically used in combination with other cancer therapies. We have found Hyperthermia to be very effective when used with our low dose potentiated and targeted chemotherapy, also known as Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT).
If you would like to learn more about hyperthermia at the alternative cancer treatment center EuroMed Foundation, click here to request your free personal orientation online. Or you can call our office at (602) 404-0400 to schedule a phone or in-person orientation.
Cancers treated with hyperthermia:
Benefits of Hyperthermia Treatment
Enhanced effectiveness of other cancer treatments: Hyperthermia can be used in combination with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy to enhance their effectiveness. Heat can sensitize cancer cells to radiation and chemotherapy, making them more susceptible to damage.
Selective targeting of cancer cells: Hyperthermia can selectively target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells. Cancer cells are more vulnerable to heat than healthy cells, so hyperthermia can be used to damage cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
Non-invasive treatment: External hyperthermia, which involves applying heat to the skin surface, is a non-invasive treatment that does not require incisions or surgery.
Reduced side effects:Hyperthermia treatment can reduce the side effects of other cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, by allowing lower doses of these treatments to be used while maintaining effectiveness.
Improved quality of life: Hyperthermia treatment can improve the quality of life for cancer patients by reducing pain, improving mobility, and increasing energy levels.
Hyperthermia side effects
Although generally safe, hyperthermia can cause skin burns, fatigue, dehydration, nausea and vomiting, and increase the risk of infection. These side effects are generally mild and short-lived, and most patients can resume normal activities within a few days of treatment. However, it's essential to speak with our specialists if you experience any side effects or have concerns about your treatment. They can provide guidance and support to manage any side effects and ensure the best possible outcome for your treatment.