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Hyperthermia Therapy

Hyperthermia Therapy Overview

Hyperthermia therapy is a type of medical treatment in which body tissue is exposed to slightly higher temperatures to damage and kill cancer cells or to make cancer cells more sensitive to the effects of radiation and certain anti-cancer drugs. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is probably the most commonly used type of local hyperthermia. It uses high-energy radio waves for treatment. A thin, needle-like probe is put into the tumor for a short time, usually about 10 to 30 minutes. Placement of the probe is guided using ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans. The tip of the probe puts out a high-frequency current that creates heat (between 122° and about 212°F) and destroys the cells within a certain area. The dead cells are not removed, but become scar tissue and shrink over time.

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Methods of Hyperthermia

There is several methods of hyperthermia currently under study, including local, regional, and whole-body hyperthermia.

Local Hyperthermia

In Local Hyperthermia, heat is applied to a small area, such as a tumor, using various techniques that deliver energy to heat the tumor. Different types of energy may be used to apply heat, including microwave, radiofrequency, and ultrasound. Depending on the tumor location, there are several approaches to local hyperthermia:

  • External approaches are used to treat tumors that are in or just below the skin. External applicators are positioned around or near the appropriate region, and energy is focused on the tumor to raise its temperature.
  • Intraluminal or Endocavitary methods may be used to treat tumors within or near body cavities, such as the esophagus or rectum. Probes are placed inside the cavity and inserted into the tumor to deliver energy and heat the area directly.
  • Interstitial techniques are used to treat tumors deep within the body, such as brain tumors. This technique allows the tumor to be heated to higher temperatures than external techniques. Underanesthesia, probes or needles are inserted into the tumor. Imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, may be used to make sure the probe is properly positioned within the tumor. The heat source is then inserted into the probe. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a type of interstitial hyperthermia that uses radio waves to heat and kill cancer cells.

Regional Hyperthermia

In Regional Hyperthermia, various approaches may be used to heat large areas of tissue, such as a body cavity, organ, or limb.

  • Deep tissue approaches may be used to treat cancers within the body, such as cervical or bladder cancer. External applicators are positioned around the body cavity or organ to be treated, and microwave or radiofrequency energy is focused on the area to raise its temperature.
  • Regional perfusion techniques can be used to treat cancers in the arms and legs, such as melanoma, or cancer in some organs, such as the liver or lung. In this procedure, some of the patient’s blood is removed, heated, and then pumped (perfused) back into the limb or organ. Anticancer drugs are commonly given during this treatment.
  • Continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion (CHPP) is a technique used to treat cancers within the peritoneal cavity (the space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, stomach, and liver), including primary peritoneal mesothelioma and stomach cancer. During surgery, heated anticancer drugs flow from a warming device through the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity temperature reaches 106-108°F.

Whole-body Hyperthermia

Whole-body Hyperthermia is used to treat metastatic cancer that has spread throughout the body. This can be accomplished by several techniques that raise the body temperature to 107-108°F, including the use of thermal chambers (similar to large incubators) or hot water blankets.

Side Effects

The possible side effects of hyperthermia depend on the technique being used and the part of the body being treated. Most side effects are short-term, but some can be serious.

Local hyperthermia can cause:

  • Burns
  • Swelling
  • Blood clots
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Pain at the site
  • Blistering
  • Damage to the skin, muscles, and nerves near the treated area

Regional and whole body hyperthermia can cause:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • More serious, though rare, side effects can include problems with the heart, blood vessels, and other major organs.

Procedure

One or two thin probes that measure temperature will be placed just beneath the surface of the skin in the area to be treated. Prior to the probe placement, an anesthetic cream will be applied to your skin; a physician will also use a small needle to inject another numbing agent.

In a same time temperature sensors will also be placed on the skin providing accurate measurements for heat control. Using focused microwave energy, the tumor is heated to approximately 108 degrees. Patient may feel a warm sensation.

Source:  www.cancer.gov

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INFO! The information provided on this website is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from any health care professional or tool for putting together an alternative treatment for cancer. A heath care professional should be consulted before starting any diet, exercise or supplement program. The list of products on this website does not include key warnings, dosages, etc.

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