HYPERTHERMIA
WHEN IS HYPERTHERMIA USED IN CANCER TREATMENT?
Modulated electro-hyperthermia, also known as Oncothermia (a term coined by Oncotherm- the company that developed the technology), is a specialised type of hyperthermia treatment that selectively heats tumours using low-frequency radio waves, enhancing the effectiveness of other cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Developed in Hungary and launched in Europe in 2006, this technique is also highly targeted, so there is minimal damage to healthy tissues, and it is a comfortable and safe procedure for patients.
Hyperthermia is typically used when the available treatments have limited effects, or if there is a risk that you have a cancer that is resistant to the available treatments.
In some instances, modulated electro-hyperthermia can also be applied to stabilise the disease and manage pain.
When considering hyperthermia as a cancer treatment, it’s crucial to seek specialist medical advice. Here are some important considerations:
- Consultation with oncologists: Always discuss this therapy with your oncologist to determine whether it is suitable for your specific type of cancer and overall health condition.
- Combination with other treatments: Hyperthermia is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. It’s important to understand how these treatments will interact and the overall treatment plan.
- Individualised treatment plans: Each patient’s treatment plan should be tailored to their unique needs. Factors such as the type, location, and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health, will influence the treatment approach.
- Monitoring and follow-up: Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to make any necessary adjustments.
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TREATMENT DEFINED
WHAT IS HYPERTHERMIA?
HYPERTHERMIA AS A TREATMENT
Modulated electro-hyperthermia (Oncothermia) is a specialised hyperthermia treatment that selectively heats cancer cells to make them more responsive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
At mild temperatures (39°C – 42°C), Oncothermia can make radiation therapy much more effective. Heat increases blood flow to the tumour, which means more oxygen gets delivered to the cancer cells. When the charged particles from ionising radiation (radiation therapy) come into contact with the oxygen molecules, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are formed. These ROS are able to inflict serious damage on the cancer cells. The extra oxygen therefore increases the damaging effects of radiation therapy to the tumour.
After radiation therapy, cancer cells will try to repair their damaged DNA. However, the increased oxygen from oncothermia can slow down this repair process, which works best in low-oxygen conditions. Most of the repair happens within two hours after radiation therapy, so it is important to time the radiation and oncotherm treatments to ensure the maximum amount of oxygen is present at the time of irradiation and during the repair processes.
Oncothermia also works well with certain types of chemotherapy. The increased blood flow to the tumour helps deliver more chemotherapy drugs to the cancer cells. The effects of the electromagnetic field during the oncotherm treatments can also make the cancer cell membranes more porous, allowing more of the drug to enter the cells and increasing the effectiveness of the drug.
THE GOAL OF HYPERTHERMIA TREATMENT (ONCOTHERMIA)
The goal of the oncothermia treatments is to heat the tumour, selectively, to between 39 and 42°C in order to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The treatments typically last around 60 minutes and are given either immediately before radiation or up to two hours after radiation or chemotherapy.
HYPERTHERMIA TREATMENT RESEARCH
ONC-Hyperthermia is actively involved in research and clinical trials on the use of modulated electro-hyperthermia (oncothermia), through Wits University and international collaborations. Dr. Minnaar’s research work includes several published papers in the field of hyperthermia; and co-authoring a book on hyperthermia. She has lectured and facilitated training on the technique in oncology facilities around the world.
Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that hyperthermia, when combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy, significantly improves treatment outcomes. This treatment is particularly beneficial for recurrent cancers and tumours that are resistant to conventional treatments.
Oncothermia combines the therapeutic benefits of hyperthermia with the non-thermal effects of the electromagnetic field to enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Dr. Minnaar focuses on improving treatment outcomes for locally advanced cancers, particularly in resource-constrained settings. A nine-year trial testing this treatment on women with locally advanced cervical cancer has recently been completed. A total of 210 women participated, receiving either chemoradiation alone or combined with modulated electro-hyperthermia. The results, which were presented at a conference in Glasgow in May 2024, showed that the five-year disease-free survival rate was more than doubled in the group who received the oncothermia treatment. There was no increase in side effects with the addition of oncothermia, meaning it was very safe, and the quality of life was significantly higher in women treated with oncothermia.
DONT TRY THIS AT HOME
Hyperthermia in oncology does not involve the general heating of the body as occurs in a sauna or hot bath. During a sauna or hot bath your body is still able to regulate and maintain a relatively normal and stable temperature. For hyperthermia to be effective, the tumours themselves must be heated and not the healthy tissue – this must also be monitored. Raising the whole-body temperature at home is not an effective method of hyperthermia for the treatment of tumours, nor is it recommended.