For those who are searching for a safe and effective alternate cancer treatment, hyperthermia is a promising option. Designed to weaken and even kill tumor cancer cells using heat, it is often used in conjunction with other traditional cancer therapies to achieve better results. It can be used locally, regionally, or even in a whole-body manner for certain kinds of cancer. Hyperthermia has been receiving a good deal of notoriety as of late, thanks to the research and hard work of oncologists, researchers and doctors.

Hyperthermia Temperature Variations

There are a variety of different hyperthermia techniques that can be used, depending on the type of cancer and its location. In some cases, mild hyperthermia methods are preferred. Using lower temperatures that approximate what one would expect from a high fever, the body's own natural immunological defense system can be stimulated to help fight the tumor. In other cases, a more moderate temperature in the range of 108 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit is used to help attach the tumor cells directly. Because of the way that tumor cells are designed, they tend to be much less able to withstand the effects of heat as compared to healthy body cells.

In some cases, hyperthermia treatments using this temperature range are actually able to destroy tumor cells. In other cases, the heat can stress the cancer cells to the point where they are more easily attacked by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In some cases, even higher temperatures can be used. These treatments are usually administered using a metal tube that can be heated, which is inserted directly into the tumor. The high temperatures, generally in excess of 122 degrees Fahrenheit, are used to destroy the cancer cells on contact.

Variations in Hyperthermia Methods

In addition to using different temperature levels, there are also different ways to utilize the therapy. For cancer cells and tumors that exist in the skin or directly below it, local hyperthermia treatment methods are usually the preferred choice. These treatments, designed to affect a specific area of the body, can be quite effective. By applying heat by means of microwave, radio frequency or ultrasound, the cancer cells can be specifically targeted. For cancer cells that are located deeper within the body or those which affect a larger region, such as is the case with organs, body cavities or extremities, regional treatments are often most effective. If a cancer has already metastasized and spread, whole body hyperthermia treatments are commonly used.

The Effects of Hyperthermia

In most cases, hyperthermia treatments can be administered without the patient experiencing severe side effects. As long as the proper temperature range is not exceeded, the surrounding healthy body cells tend to tolerate the heat without becoming damaged. In some cases, there are some mild side effects, such as tissue swelling, pain, blisters, reddened skin, and even minor burns. Occasionally there may also be more serious side effects experienced, but in general, hyperthermia carries far fewer risks as compared to many traditional cancer treatments. Overall, the doctors and researchers have found these treatments to be of great help to many cancer patients.