Warmth against Cancer: Therapeutic Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia means overheating and is a treatment method used in oncology. Over a hundred years ago, doctors observed that patients overcame their cancer after suffering from a feverous infectious disease. The influence of overheating on the immune system and cancer cells has been scientifically proven. This has led to the development of different types of hyperthermia, of which the following are applied at the IOZK:

Modulated electro-hyperthermia

In modulated electro-hyperthermia, the region where the tumor or metastasis is located is treated with radio waves. The patient lies on a waterbed and the probe is placed above the relevant area. The radio waves damage the tumor cells, which causes them to produce danger signals, which leads to an immune response against those cells.

Moderate whole-body hyperthermia

In whole-body hyperthermia, the body’s core temperature is elevated to fever-like temperatures through infrared rays. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and breathing are continuously monitored. The elevated temperature stimulates various immune cells that are important for fighting cancer.

Transurethral hyperthermia

Transurethral hyperthermia is applied in the early stages of prostate cancer and is similar to modulated electro-hyperthermia. However, the probe is not placed on the body, but rather placed in the prostate directly through a catheter in the urinary tract. 

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