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Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment Research has shown that hyperthermia—defined as exposing body tissue to temperatures up to 113°F—can damage and kill cancer cells, usually with minimal injury to normal tissues and may shrink tumors, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).4 Usually used in combination with radiation or chemotherapy,
hyperthermia
can be applied locally to small areas such as tumors, regionally to large areas such as a body cavity, organ, or limb, or to the whole body to treat metastatic cancer. The NCI Fact Sheet on hyperthermia points out that many but not all of the clinical trials of hyperthermia in combination with radiation and/or chemotherapy, have shown a significant reduction in tumor size. However, not all of these studies have shown increased survival in patients receiving the combined treatments.
BCI's radiation oncologists use the most advanced treatment planning systems and newest technology tools in the fight against radio-resistant and recurrent cancer. One of the latest tools is called hyperthermia treatment, which attacks tumors with the additive effects of precisely delivered therapeutic heat. Heat and Cancer Cells
Researchers have found that elevated temperatures can disrupt and destroy cancer cells within malignant tumors. As the cancer cells die, the cancer tumor shrinks. Hyperthermia therapy uses heat applied directly to the cells to destroy cancer cells that are otherwise not responding to more conventional treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation.
It works by a multitude of mechanisms, including:
• Disabling intracellular repair enzymes that allow the cancer to survive radiation damage.
• Causing the cells to release heat shock proteins, thus stimulating the immune system’s fight against the cancer.
• More favorable alterations in tissue perfusion allowing radiation and/or chemotherapy to work more effectively.
Administration of Hyperthermia The hyperthermia therapy is administered by an FDA approved device, a powerful microwave system that delivers heat energy directly into the cancerous tumor at temperatures between 107-111 degrees Fahrenheit. This treatment has been shown to destroy malignant tumor cells, while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. When used as part of a combined treatment regimen, hyperthermia improves the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy. Treatment Methods Hyperthermia therapy can be delivered locally or regionally.
• Local hyperthermia: Heat is applied to a small area or directly to a tumor through microwave, radiofrequency, and ultrasound. For external treatment, applicators are placed on the patient in the appropriate target area and the tumor is heated through the energy source. In the case of tumors located deep inside the body, such as the rectum, cervix, and prostate, heat is delivered to the tumors through probes placed in the specified area.
• Regional hyperthermia: Heat is applied to large tissue areas where the entire area or region is targeted and treated using microwave or radiofrequency energy that raises the temperature to the area.
The hyperthermia treatment technology has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat malignant tumors on the surface or just below the surface of the skin. Hyperthermia is used for select cancers of the breast, as well as sarcoma, melanoma, adenocarcinoma, or squamous or basal-cell.
BCI's radiation oncologists use the most advanced treatment planning systems and newest technology tools in the fight against radio-resistant and recurrent cancer. One of the latest tools is called hyperthermia treatment, which attacks tumors with the additive effects of precisely delivered therapeutic heat. Heat and Cancer Cells
Researchers have found that elevated temperatures can disrupt and destroy cancer cells within malignant tumors. As the cancer cells die, the cancer tumor shrinks. Hyperthermia therapy uses heat applied directly to the cells to destroy cancer cells that are otherwise not responding to more conventional treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation.
It works by a multitude of mechanisms, including:
• Disabling intracellular repair enzymes that allow the cancer to survive radiation damage.
• Causing the cells to release heat shock proteins, thus stimulating the immune system’s fight against the cancer.
• More favorable alterations in tissue perfusion allowing radiation and/or chemotherapy to work more effectively.
Administration of Hyperthermia The hyperthermia therapy is administered by an FDA approved device, a powerful microwave system that delivers heat energy directly into the cancerous tumor at temperatures between 107-111 degrees Fahrenheit. This treatment has been shown to destroy malignant tumor cells, while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. When used as part of a combined treatment regimen, hyperthermia improves the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy. Treatment Methods Hyperthermia therapy can be delivered locally or regionally.
• Local hyperthermia: Heat is applied to a small area or directly to a tumor through microwave, radiofrequency, and ultrasound. For external treatment, applicators are placed on the patient in the appropriate target area and the tumor is heated through the energy source. In the case of tumors located deep inside the body, such as the rectum, cervix, and prostate, heat is delivered to the tumors through probes placed in the specified area.
• Regional hyperthermia: Heat is applied to large tissue areas where the entire area or region is targeted and treated using microwave or radiofrequency energy that raises the temperature to the area.
The hyperthermia treatment technology has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat malignant tumors on the surface or just below the surface of the skin. Hyperthermia is used for select cancers of the breast, as well as sarcoma, melanoma, adenocarcinoma, or squamous or basal-cell.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second-most-common cancer, and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths, among women. Most breast cancers are slow-growing, but there are types that are aggressive, which is why early detection is essential. Breast cancer is defined by the type of breast cells in which it begins, and is generally categorized as invasive or noninvasive. Breast cancer can also affect men, but it is 100 times more common in women.Read More
Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system . It makes most of the semen that carries sperm. The walnut-sized gland is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.Read More
Head and Neck Cancer
The way a particular head and neck cancer behaves depends on the site in which it arises (the primary site). For example, cancers that begin in the vocal cords behave very differently than those that arise in the back of the tongue, which is only an inch or less from the vocal cords.Read More
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious cancer of the skin. Melanoma affects thousands of people every year. If detected early, melanoma can be successfully treated by surgically removing it. This reference summary explains the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options of melanoma. It also discusses some prevention tips.Read More
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin membrane that protects and lubricates different body cavities, such as the chest and abdominal cavities.Mesothelioma is almost exclusively tied to prolonged asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that became very popular in the 20th century due to its heat resistance and insulating properties.These fibers may be inhaled or ingested, and lodge themselves in the human body, which are difficult for the body to expel. In most cases, these fibers end up in the membrane (mesothelium) surrounding the lungs and chest known as the pleura.
In other cases, the fibers may be ingested and end up in the peritoneal lining in the stomach and abdomen.
Read More
Liver Cancer
Because the liver is made up of several different types of cells, several types of tumors can form there. Some of these are benign (noncancerous), and some are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). These tumors have different causes and are treated differently. The outlook for health or recovery depends on what type of tumor you have.Read More
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. But in the United States and other countries where cervical cancer screening is routine, this cancer is not so common. Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. You can get HPV by having sexual contact with someone who has it. There are many types of the HPV virus. Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital warts, but other types may not cause any symptoms.Read More
Brain Cancer
Although such growths are popularly called brain tumors, not all brain tumors are cancer. Cancer is a term reserved for malignant tumors. Malignant tumors can grow and spread aggressively, overpowering healthy cells by taking their space, blood, and nutrients. They can also spread to distant parts of the body. Like all cells of the body, tumor cells need blood and nutrients to survive. Tumors that do not invade nearby tissue or spread to distant areas are called benign. In general, a benign tumor is less serious than a malignant tumor. But a benign tumor can still cause many problems in the brain by pressing on nearby tissue.Read More
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Dr. James I. Bicher, M.D.
Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
Member of National Committee on Hyperthermia. A Founder and Past President of the North American Hyperthermia Group (NAHG). Secretary and (1972-1981) President (1981) of International Society of Oxygen Transport of Tissue. Zondec Award, (Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem), 1962. President and Founder of the American Society of Clinical Hyperthermia (ASCHO).
Dr. Ralph S. Wolfstein, M.D.
University of Michigan
Former, "Acting Director, Department of Radiation Therapy Nuclear Medicine: at Cedars - Sinai Medical Center. Member in Society of Nuclear Medine, Charter Member in American College of Nuclear Physicians. Member of American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. Member of Radiation Research Society. Charter Member of International Clinical Hyperthermia Society.
Dr. David Bell, M.D.
Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans
PhD in mathematics from, "Brown University".Community Hospital, Long Beach, CA - Medical Director of Radiation Oncologist. Board Certified, Society Member of, "PHI BETA KAPPA & SIGMA XI".
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