Local Hyperthermia at Centre of Advanced Medicine, Frankfurt, Germany

Hyperthermia works by leveraging the inherent sensitivity of cancer cells to elevated temperatures, effectively targeting tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Through the application of heat, typically ranging from 40°C to 44°C, the body's response is triggered to produce heat shock proteins within the tumor. These proteins act as biological signals that prompt the immune system to activate cytotoxic cells, such as killer T-cells, which specifically attack and destroy cancerous tissue. The combination of localized heat and immune stimulation creates a potent mechanism for both direct tumor destruction and immune system enhancement. Another crucial aspect of hyperthermia is its ability to improve the delivery and efficacy of other cancer treatments. When used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, hyperthermia increases blood flow to tumor tissues, improving oxygenation and making the cancerous areas more susceptible to these treatments. This synergy allows for the reduction of chemotherapy drug dosages, limiting toxicity and side effects, while still enhancing treatment effectiveness. Additionally, hyperthermia reduces the tumor cells' ability to repair themselves after being damaged by radiation or chemotherapy, further improving the overall response to these therapies. Local hyperthermia, which involves the targeted application of heat to specific areas of the body, is particularly beneficial for treating tumors located near the skin or other accessible areas. Common indications for local hyperthermia include gynecological malignancies such as breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers, as well as urological tumors like prostate and bladder cancer. It is also used for treating malignant tumors in deep organs such as the brain, lungs, kidneys, and pancreas. Lymph node metastases, gastrointestinal tract cancers, and sarcomas, including melanomas and basal cell carcinomas, can also be effectively treated with localized heat therapy. Research supporting the efficacy of local hyperthermia is extensive, with studies demonstrating its ability to significantly enhance survival rates and treatment outcomes when used alongside conventional therapies. One landmark study published in Lancet Oncology in 2010 demonstrated the effectiveness of local hyperthermia in treating aggressive soft tissue sarcomas. In this study, patients who received local hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy were able to remain cancer-free for an average of 30 months, compared to just 18 months for those who received chemotherapy alone. These findings, along with others, support the idea that local hyperthermia can be a highly effective adjunctive treatment, extending survival and improving overall outcomes in patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. The experience at the Center for Advanced Medicine further underscores the effectiveness of this therapeutic method. With over 5,000 treatment sessions, it is clear that local hyperthermia is both well-tolerated and highly effective. The process targets cancer cells with precision by increasing energy absorption at specific resonance frequencies, making it possible to destroy cancerous tissue without causing burns or excessive damage to healthy tissues. This makes local hyperthermia a promising, non-invasive option for many patients with various forms of cancer, helping to improve their quality of life and treatment success.