Hyperthermia is an alternative cancer therapy that is designed to kill cancerous tumor cells by exposing them to temperatures higher than what is normal in the human body. Because of the abnormal characteristics of tumors and cancer cells, they tend to be more easily destroyed when exposed to heat, as compared to normal cells. The work of oncologists and researchers such as Dr. James Haim Bicher has led to this promising cancer treatment, which is often used with great success in conjunction with other cancer treatments and protocols.
When is Hyperthermia Used?
Because hyperthermia can make it easier for certain anti-cancer drugs and radiation to kill cancer cells, it is often combined with these therapies. The end result is generally more effective than when these other therapies are used alone. It can be used locally for small tumors, for entire regions in the case of larger tumors, or even in a whole body fashion for cancers that have metastasized. It can be used to treat a variety of cancers, such as those occurring in the cervix, breasts, lungs or liver. Although the exact temperature and method of application varies depending on the cancer being treated, in many cases a temperature not exceeding 108 degrees Fahrenheit proves effective. Although some people tend to turn to hyperthermia only when more conventional cancer therapies have not proven to be effective, it is currently being used as an accompanying therapy even in the beginning stages of cancer treatments. Especially when combined with other therapies, it has proved effective at shrinking or killing cancer cells, helping patients achieve remission. Additionally, because the heat helps to increase blood flow, hyperthermia can help increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and other medications in the bloodstream.
Risks and Side Effects
As compared to many conventional cancer therapies, hyperthermia treatments include very few serious risks or side effects. In some cases, the patient may experience reddening of the skin, discomfort, blisters or possibly a few minor burns. Even in the case of whole body hyperthermia, as long as the body temperature is kept under 111 degrees Fahrenheit, most body tissues will not experience any significant harm. However, sometimes side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea can result from the increased body temperature. In the case of whole body treatments, serious side effects such as cardiac arrest are not unheard of, but are quite rare.
History of Hyperthermia
The roots of hyperthermia go back thousands of years to when the ancient Egyptians used heat therapy to help treat tumors. Heat therapy was also used in Europe after the Renaissance age to help shrink tumors. Over the years, time and time again scientists have observed the power that heat seems to have on the human body. Scientists and physicians such as Dr. James Haim Bicher have spent years researching and gathering evidence to support the effectiveness of hyperthermia. In 2010, the prestigious Duke University conducted clinical trials as part of its extensive hypothermia program. These clinical trials were focused on combining hyperthermia treatments with other cancer therapies to produce more effective results. The results of these and other tests and trials show great promise for the future of hyperthermia as a cancer treatment.
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