Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia refers to the use of heat treatments to kill cancer cells. Hyperthermia enhances the effects of other cancer treatments, so it is almost always given in combination with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both. The beneficial effects of hyperthermia have been documented in clinical trials that included patients with tumors of the brain, head and neck, breast, cervix, rectum, bladder, and patients with melanoma. It is particularly useful for treatment of recurrent cancer in an area of the body that has already received radiation therapy.

Hyperthermia is most often used to treat tumors that are close to the surface of the body. A special device called a surface applicator is applied to the region of the tumor. That area is heated to a temperature of 43oC (109oF) for approximately one hour. Hyperthermia treatments are given within one hour of radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Hyperthermia can also be used to treat deeper tumors when combined with high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR) (link). The HDR catheters are used for internal radiation treatments and for temperature measurements.

We have the largest and most versatile hyperthermia program on the west coast. Our hyperthermia team tailors treatment to meet the needs of each individual patient.

Hyperthermia Team