Whole-Body Hyperthermia at Centre of Advanced Medicine, Frankfurt, Germany

Whole-body hyperthermia is a form of alternative cancer treatment that involves raising the body's temperature to a toxic level for cancer cells. The idea is that cancer cells are more sensitive to heat than normal cells and will be killed off by the high temperature, while normal cells can withstand the heat and survive. The patient will be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry damaged by heat and may be given medications to help prevent fever and other side effects. The patient's vital signs will be monitored, including their temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The treatment team will heat the patient's body. They will carefully control the temperature of the patient's body to avoid overheating. After the treatment, the team will slowly cool the patient's body to an average temperature. The patient may be monitored for any side effects, and additional treatments may be scheduled if necessary. Whole body hyperthermia is based on the natural defense mechanism of fever, which is the body's way of combating infections and pathogens. By artificially raising the body’s temperature to a range of 38°C to 40°C, this therapy mimics the body's natural response to illness. The elevated temperature inhibits the activity of viruses, bacteria, and cancerous cells, while enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight these invaders. This method can be particularly effective in treating metastatic cancers, where the disease has spread to multiple areas of the body, as well as chronic conditions like Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Unlike other forms of hyperthermia, which may target specific body areas, whole body hyperthermia heats the entire body gradually. This controlled process allows for a treatment tailored to the patient’s tolerance, as the heat is regulated by monitoring the pulse, ensuring the temperature does not exceed the patient’s comfort level. The approach is gentle enough to be used with a wide range of patients, including children and those with weakened immune systems, making it an adaptable treatment option for many conditions. Furthermore, by stimulating the body's natural immune responses, it may help in building resistance against disease. Whole body hyperthermia also works by disrupting the structural integrity of harmful proteins, such as those found in cancer cells or pathogens. This results in a form of cellular stress that promotes the death of damaged cells and helps the body eliminate them. The treatment can be beneficial in addressing complex chronic diseases and is often combined with other medical therapies to enhance overall effectiveness. It is a holistic approach to supporting the body’s healing processes, making it a versatile option in the treatment of various health issues.