How to Prepare for Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is a relatively new type of cancer treatment in which the body is subjected to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time. Studies have shown that when cancer cells are exposed to extreme temperatures, they are either killed immediately or weakened considerably. Doctors hope hyperthermia can be used to increase the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, to treat advanced and recurring tumors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Know that undergoing hyperthermia can expose your body to temperatures up to 113 degrees F.
2. Expect to receive general anesthesia for whole body hyperthermia.
3. Realize that hyperthermia treatments last approximately 2 to 3 hours and are conducted 1 to 2 times per week.
4. Understand that you will need at least 1 day to recover from hyperthermia treatment.
5. Consider using meditation or another form of distraction, such as reading, to help you deal with feelings of claustrophobia. It is common for whole body hyperthermia patients to be enclosed in a thermal bed for several hours.
6. Ask your doctor whether you will be allowed to undergo hyperthermia on an in-patient basis. Many insurance companies will only cover hyperthermia as an in-patient procedure.
7. Alleviate your fears about hyperthermia treatment by checking out the hyperthermia fact sheet at the National Cancer Institute Web site (see Resources below). Knowing exactly what the procedure entails may make you more confident about pursuing treatment.
8. Be prepared for additional or follow-up treatments that may be used in conjunction with or following hyperthermia.

Tips & Warnings

• As a patient, you have the right to terminate hyperthermia treatment at any time. Although this is not highly recommended, if you feel you cannot continue treatment, let the attending physician or nurse know and all treatment will be stopped immediately.
• Hyperthermia has shown promise in early clinical trials, but is still largely experimental. It may be beneficial to seek a second opinion as to whether or not this course of treatment is the best to fight your cancer.
• Ask your doctor about your entire cancer treatment plan, as hyperthermia will likely be only 1 component of it.
• Undergoing cancer treatment can be a difficult, confusing process. You may be feeling depressed, anxious or fearful as you prepare for your upcoming treatment. If you're experiencing these feelings for more than 1 week, speak to your doctor. There are a variety of prescription medications which may be able to alleviate your symptoms. In addition, a cancer support group or keeping a journal may allow you to resolve your feelings and proceed with treatment.
• If you show the signs of heart damage or other major organ damage after pursing hyperthermia treatment, contact your doctor immediately.