What is oncologic hyperthermia?
Oncologic hyperthermia is a type of cancer treatment in which body tissue is exposed to high temperatures (up to 113°F or 45°C). It is used as an adjunct to classic cancer treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery.
Although it is a young technique, it is recognized by a large part of the scientific community.
Why is oncologic hyperthermia performed?
This treatment is indicated for malignant tumors in any area and at any stage, but its fundamental usefulness is centered on advanced and metastatic cancers.
Although it can be used as monotherapy, that is, as a single treatment, in those patients who do not want to undergo conventional therapies, it is often used as a complement to other therapies, for example, when applied before radiotherapy, it sensitizes the tissues to be treated, while when applied after chemotherapy, it enhances the effects.
What does oncological hyperthermia consist of?
It consists of applying a thermal field that focuses on the area where the malignant tumor is located, causing the tumor to become “sensitized” and less resistant to other classic oncological treatments and, therefore, increasing their chances of success.
This technique is completely painless and has no contraindications or side effects. It is performed in 45-90 minute sessions at 48-hour intervals for approximately four weeks, although the standard treatment consists of three one-hour sessions per week for one month.
Post-treatment care
The benefits of this therapy are obvious, as it is a quick and clean treatment, with visible results in the very short term. Moreover, it has no side effects and, if necessary, can be repeated without any limitation after a specific time interval.
In general, the treatment is very well tolerated by patients, especially in brain tumors and tumors of the head and neck. Some patients feel a transient sensation of pressure in the treated area.