Hyperthermia Benefits in Cancer Treatment
Real whole-body hyperthermia is where the core body temperature is increased to temperatures to mimic a fever and held at this temperature for a set period.
History & Use
The use of high temperatures as a method of treatment for various conditions, including cancer, was common in various cultures in ancient times. The first known use of local heat for the treatment of breast cancer was carried out by the Egyptians around 2600 B.C. Around 500 B.C. the Greek philosopher Parmenides was deeply convinced of the effectiveness of hyperthermia as evidenced by the words: “Give me the power to produce fever and I will cure all diseases”. This view was shared by Hippocrates, the Greek philosopher and scientist who is considered the “father of medicine”.
An Oasis of Healing
At our center, when we refer to Hyperthermia, we are talking about whole-body Hyperthermia. Many centers throughout the States say they are performing hyperthermia when what they are actually doing is an aesthetic or detox therapy. Real whole-body hyperthermia is where the core body temperature is increased to temperatures to mimic a fever and held at this temperature for a set period.
At An Oasis of Healing, hyperthermia is a medical procedure where your respiration, heart rate, and core body temperature are monitored and tracked to reach core temperatures between 104 to 105 degrees for an extended time to achieve maximum benefit. These temperatures have been shown through research to damage and bring about cancer cell death while causing minimal injury to normal cells.
Benefits of Hyperthermia
There are a multitude of benefits when this core body temperature is achieved and maintained for at least two hours.
- Damages and Kills Cancer Cells: By inducing heat stress, hyperthermia has been shown to damage cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. It can trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) and reduce local tumor volume, inhibiting angiogenesis and reducing factors like VEGF and HIF-1alpha that support tumor growth.
- Wide Spread Support of the Immune System: Hyperthermia has been shown to enhance immune system activity by increasing the production of important signaling molecules like interferon-y and interleukin-2 from T-cells. Increased presence of infiltrating monocytes and macrophages are associated with direct tumor regression.
- Specific Support of the Immune System: It has been shown to increase and improve the activity and function of dendritic cells, lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells, enhancing their ability to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Targets Cancer Stem Cells (CSC): Additionally, hyperthermia may target cancer stem cells (CSC), which are known for their resistance to conventional therapies and their ability to drive cancer recurrence. Hyperthermia improves blood flow into dense tumor areas, enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of treatment while interfering with CSCs’ ability to self-repair.
- Enhances the Effect of Chemotherapy: Hyperthermia has been shown to reverse drug resistance, increase drug delivery to the tumor microenvironment, enhance drug penetration, and accelerate chemical reactions, making chemotherapy (i.e. IPTLD) more effective and less toxic.
At An Oasis of Healing, your hyperthermia session will be carefully monitored and tailored to your needs. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer care and supporting you on your journey to healing the cancer. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at 480-912-3414
