How to Understand Hyperthermia

To understand the benefits of hyperthermia, it's important to know how it works. Hyperthermia is the process of exposing the body to temperatures of up to 113 degrees F in order to weaken cancer cells. Early clinical studies have shown this may have an impact on the effectiveness of other types of cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Patients with advanced cancer or who have had previously unsuccessful rounds of chemotherapy may be ideal candidates for hyperthermia.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Know that local hyperthermia uses high temperatures to kill small areas of cells or isolated tumors. These high temperatures are achieved through the use of microwaves, radio waves or ultrasound waves.
2. Realize that external local hyperthermia uses external equipment placed near the surface of the body with the high-frequency waves targeting a specific tumor or cancer site.
3. Recognize that internal local hyperthermia involves the insertion of a needle or probe directly into a tumor. The tip of the probe or needle emits energy, which kills or weakens the cancerous cells.
4. Understand that regional hyperthermia treats only parts of the body, such as limbs or specific organs, through the use of external, high-frequency equipment.
5. Be aware of whole body hyperthermia, which is normally used to treat advanced cancers. This involves placing the body in a thermal chamber or under a hot water blanket for several hours in order to destroy cancerous cells all over the body.
6. Plan to set aside at least 1 day after treatment to rest without disruption. You'll need at least 1 day to fully recover from the effects of hyperthermia, whether your treatment involves local, regional or whole body therapy.
7. Understand that follow-up treatments may be required after hyperthermia, including more conventional cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor whether your treatment will involve radio frequency ablation (RFA). This is the most commonly used technique in hyperthermia treatments, used primarily to treat liver cancer. Other uses for RFA are being explored, however, and your doctor may want to explore this option.
• Remember that you have the right to basic information about your treatment, including which methods will be employed, how long your therapy will take, and what side effects you can expect as a result of the treatment.
• You may have mixed emotions about participating in highly experimental therapies, such as hyperthermia, no matter how successful they are in clinical trials. Such anxiety is normal, but should be reported to your doctor, who may be able to prescribe low-dose anti-anxiety medication. Furthermore, many patients have found peace in attending cancer support groups in their area.