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The Benefits Of Hyperthermia On Cancer

By Autumn Lockwood

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 13Apr2011
Word count: 3162
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The concept of using heat to treat tumors has actually been around since ancient times. However, in recent years the concept of using heat to treat cancer has been researched and studied in-depth by researchers, oncologists and doctors. When used alone, or in combination with other cancer therapies, hyperthermia has been shown to weaken and even kill cancer cells. Hyperthermia works on the principle that tumor cells are not able to tolerate heat in the same way that normal body cells can. As a result, by using heat the cancer cells can be attacked while leaving the normal body cells unscathed.

Types of Treatable Tumors

Hyperthermia can be used to treat a variety of different cancers, including squamous cell, lymphoma, basal cell, melanoma, carcinoma, and sarcoma. It can be used for tumors that are located in many different areas of the body, including the breast, head and neck, prostate, skin, throat, thyroid and bone. Depending on the location and variety of cancer cells, hyperthermia can be applied in a variety of ways. Heat can be applied externally when the cancer cells exist in the skin, or close beneath it. However, for cancer cells that are deeper within the body, the heat is generally applied by using a sterile probe. In some cases, especially when the cancer has spread throughout the body, whole body methods of hyperthermia are utilized.

Combining Hyperthermia With Other Therapies

Although hyperthermia is sometimes used on its own to directly weaken or kill cancer cells, it is frequently combined with other cancer therapies to enhance their effect. For example, hyperthermia is often combined with low dose radiation treatments. When combined, these therapies can have a greater success rate against cancer than when either treatment is used alone. By using hyperthermia, the cancer cells are weakened, making them more susceptible to the effects of the radiation treatment. Additionally, the application of heat helps to improve blood circulation in the area of the tumor, which can also make other forms of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy more effective. In some ways, hyperthermia can be compared to the way the body naturally tries to defend itself with high fevers.

Minimal Side Effects

Because hyperthermia uses a low level of heat, generally within the range of 108 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, there are actually very few serious side effects when it is used. Although there can be some reddening of the skin, blistering or irritation, these side effects are generally well tolerated by patients. In fact, many patients find that hyperthermia treatments actually help reduce the pain associated with cancer, resulting in higher energy levels and an improved quality of life.

The Future of Hyperthermia

Thanks to the research and hard work of oncologists and doctors, Clinical trials, studies and research continue, resulting in even more widespread use of this alternative therapy in the fight against cancer.

Using Hyperthermia to Fight Cancer Cells

Over the last several years, there has been a lot of attention given to alternative cancer therapies such as hyperthermia. Hyperthermia, which uses moderate levels of heat to target, weaken and kill cancer cells, has actually been long approved by the FDA. In fact, it is even recognized by most insurance companies. Hyperthermia has been the subject of numerous studies, scientific papers, and clinical trials. Recently, it was the subject of a clinical trial at the prestigious Duke University, which has an aggressive research program devoted to hyperthermia. Because it is becoming so well-known, more patients than ever before are learning about the benefits that hyperthermia can provide them as they fight their battle against cancer.

Hyperthermia As An Alternative Cancer Therapy

When a person has cancer, it is important for them to evaluate all the available therapy options with their doctor, to determine the best course of action for their individual circumstances. In the past hyperthermia was often resorted to only when conventional therapies had failed. However, it is becoming increasingly more common to combine conventional and alternative therapies. For example, doctors successfully combine low level radiation treatments with hyperthermia treatments to produce better results than either therapy would have individually. Because the hyperthermia serves to weaken or even kill the cancer cells, the accompanying conventional therapy has a better chance of being effective. More doctors are discovering the benefits of combining alternative therapies such as hyperthermia with conventional cancer treatments. As a result, it is expected that the overall success rate of treating many kinds of cancer will improve.

Understanding How Hyperthermia Works

The basic concept behind hyperthermia is actually fairly simple. When heat is applied to normal body cells, the surrounding vascular system can efficiently dissipate the heat, protecting the cells. But in the case of tumors, the vascular system can be quite disorganized and inefficient. Because the cells are abnormally packed tightly together in most cases, tumor cells are simply not well equipped to deal with higher levels of heat. As a result, even the relatively low temperatures used during hyperthermia treatments can have devastating effects on cancer cells. When temperatures in the general range of 108 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit are used, the surrounding healthy cells remain protected, but the tumor cells are affected.

Other Hyperthermia Benefits

In addition to its ability to directly weaken and kill cancer cells, hyperthermia also has other benefits for the patient. Because heat naturally increases circulation and blood flow, hyperthermia can also be helpful when combined with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. When more blood reaches the tumor area, this also means that more of the cancer-fighting drugs are also present. Hyperthermia can also help to reduce the pain levels experienced by many cancer patients, which can help improve their quality of life.

If you're wanting more information on hyperthermia or oncologists who use hyperthermia, then check out Dr. James Bicher MD. Dr. James Bicher MD is a well known oncologist in the field of hyperthermia so check out the publications and awards he's received over the years for his hyperthermia research and work.

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