Prostate Hyperthermia at Centre of Advanced Medicine, Frankfurt, Germany

Prostate hyperthermia is a therapeutic technique that involves applying heat to the prostate gland to treat certain prostate-related conditions, primarily prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The idea behind this treatment is to use controlled heat to target and destroy cancerous tissue or reduce inflammation and swelling in the prostate. The heat is typically applied using various methods, such as microwave or radiofrequency energy, or even external heating devices that can raise the temperature of the prostate to a level that is high enough to have therapeutic effects, yet not so high as to cause significant damage to surrounding healthy tissue. In the context of prostate cancer, prostate hyperthermia can be used as a complementary treatment alongside other therapies like radiation therapy. It can help to improve the effectiveness of radiation by sensitizing cancer cells to the radiation. The heat causes the cancer cells to become more susceptible to damage, potentially leading to a better overall treatment outcome. Additionally, heat can also promote increased blood flow to the treated area, which can assist in the healing process after radiation or other forms of treatment. For benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, hyperthermia aims to reduce the size of the prostate by using heat to destroy or shrink the overgrown tissue. This can help alleviate symptoms associated with BPH, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or a weak urine stream. The goal of the treatment is to provide symptom relief without the need for invasive surgery, making it an appealing option for many patients. Prostate hyperthermia is a highly targeted treatment that involves the use of localized heat to treat prostate tumors or benign prostate conditions. The method works by inserting a catheter through the urethra to deliver electromagnetic waves into the prostate tissue. These waves generate heat within the prostate, which disrupts the cellular environment. This heating process causes oxygen deprivation in the tumor cells, which leads to acidic conditions that further damage the cells and induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This localized approach ensures that only the targeted tissue is treated, minimizing damage to surrounding structures. In addition to its primary role in tumor destruction, prostate hyperthermia has several other beneficial effects. The thermal treatment also suppresses the tumor’s repair mechanisms, which are often activated to counteract cancer therapies like chemotherapy or radiation. By hindering the tumor’s ability to repair itself, hyperthermia enhances the overall effectiveness of these conventional treatments. Furthermore, the heat therapy helps stimulate the body's immune system, potentially boosting its natural defenses against cancerous cells. This combination of effects can significantly improve outcomes in prostate cancer treatment, especially when used in conjunction with other therapies. The procedure is generally well tolerated by patients, with minimal discomfort. It does not require general anesthesia or the use of special medications, which makes it a less invasive option compared to traditional surgical treatments. This makes prostate hyperthermia a viable option for men seeking alternative or adjunct treatments for prostate cancer or benign prostate enlargement, especially when aiming to avoid the side effects of more invasive procedures.