Oncologic Hyperthermia Treatment

Modulated electro-hyperthermia, commonly referred to as Oncothermia (a term coined by Oncotherm, the company that developed this innovative technology), is a specialized form of hyperthermia therapy that selectively targets and heats tumours using low-frequency radio waves. This enhances the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Developed in Hungary and launched in Europe in 2006, oncologic hyperthermia is also highly focused, ensuring minimal damage to healthy tissues, making it a comfortable and safe procedure for patients.

Hyperthermia therapy is typically employed when traditional cancer treatments have limited effects or if there is a concern about cancer resistance to available therapies. In certain cases, modulated electro-hyperthermia can also be utilized to stabilize the disease and manage pain. It’s crucial to seek specialist medical advice when considering hyperthermia as a cancer treatment.

Here are some important considerations:

Consultation with oncologists: Always discuss this therapy with your oncologist to determine its suitability for your specific type of cancer and overall health condition.

Combination with other treatments: Hyperthermia therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation. Understanding how these treatments will interact is essential for an effective overall treatment plan.

Individualized treatment plans: Each patient's treatment approach should be tailored to their unique needs. Factors such as the type, location, and stage of cancer, along with the patient’s overall health, will influence the individualized treatment strategy.

Monitoring and follow-up: Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.

Modulated electro-hyperthermia, also known as oncologic hyperthermia or Oncothermia, is a specialized hyperthermia therapy that selectively targets cancer cells by heating them. This process enhances their responsiveness to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  

At mild temperatures ranging from 39°C to 42°C, oncologic hyperthermia significantly improves the effectiveness of radiation therapy. The applied heat increases blood flow to the tumor, delivering more oxygen to the cancer cells. When the charged particles from ionizing radiation interact with the oxygen molecules, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are generated. These ROS can cause substantial damage to the cancer cells, amplifying the harmful effects of radiation therapy on the tumor.  

Following radiation therapy, cancer cells attempt to repair their damaged DNA. However, the additional oxygen provided by hyperthermia therapy can impede this repair process, which is most efficient in low-oxygen environments. Most DNA repair occurs within two hours post-radiation, making it crucial to coordinate the timing of radiation and oncotherm treatments to ensure optimal oxygen levels during irradiation and the subsequent repair phase.  

Oncothermia is also effective in conjunction with specific types of chemotherapy. The enhanced blood flow to the tumor facilitates the delivery of more chemotherapy drugs to the cancer cells. Furthermore, the effects of the electromagnetic field during oncotherm treatments can increase the permeability of cancer cell membranes, allowing greater drug entry and thus boosting the overall effectiveness of the chemotherapy.

The goal of oncothermia treatments, a form of hyperthermia therapy, is to selectively heat the tumour to between 39 and 42°C. This process aims to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Typically, these oncologic hyperthermia treatments last around 60 minutes and are administered either immediately before radiation or up to two hours after chemotherapy or radiation.

ONC-Hyperthermia is actively engaged in research and clinical trials focusing on the use of modulated electro-hyperthermia (oncothermia) in collaboration with Wits University and international partners. 

Dr. Minnaar’s research includes multiple published papers on hyperthermia therapy, as well as co-authoring a book dedicated to oncologic hyperthermia. She has also lectured and facilitated training on this innovative technique in oncology facilities worldwide. 

Numerous clinical trials have shown that hyperthermia therapy, especially when combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy, significantly enhances cancer treatment outcomes. This approach is particularly advantageous for recurrent cancers and tumors that resist conventional treatments. 

Oncothermia uniquely integrates the therapeutic benefits of hyperthermia with the non-thermal effects of an electromagnetic field, effectively boosting the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 

Dr. Minnaar is dedicated to improving treatment outcomes for locally advanced cancers, especially in resource-constrained environments. 

Recently, a nine-year trial assessing this innovative cancer treatment on women with locally advanced cervical cancer was completed. A total of 210 women participated, receiving either chemoradiation alone or in combination with modulated electro-hyperthermia. The findings, presented at a conference in Glasgow in May 2024, indicated that the five-year disease-free survival rate more than doubled for the group that received oncothermia treatment. Importantly, there were no additional side effects associated with oncothermia, demonstrating its safety and leading to a significantly improved quality of life for the women treated with this advanced hyperthermia therapy.

Hyperthermia therapy in oncology differs significantly from the general heating of the body that occurs in a sauna or hot bath. While enjoying a sauna or hot bath, your body can still regulate and maintain a relatively normal and stable temperature. For oncologic hyperthermia to be effective in cancer treatment, the focus must be on heating the tumours specifically, rather than the healthy tissue, which requires careful monitoring. Therefore, raising the whole-body temperature at home is not an effective method of hyperthermia therapy for the treatment of tumours, and it is not recommended.