Although most people immediately think of chemotherapy and intense radiation therapies when they think of traditional cancer treatments, there are also a number of alternative therapies that can help. Hyperthermia treatments are one of the most exciting and promising cancer therapies. Although even the ancient Egyptians used to use heat to treat tumors, researchers and doctors such as Dr. James Haim Bicher have brought new notoriety to this treatment method over the past few decades. When used in conjunction with other cancer treatment methods, it often produces amazing results.

What is Hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia is a method of exposing cancer cells to temperature levels that have the ability to destroy them. Because cancer cells are susceptible to heat, raising the temperature of these cells can cause them to die. Heat helps to prevent the cells from metabolizing, eventually causing them to shrink and die. In addition to killing cancer cells, hyperthermia can also help to increase the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy. The end result of hyperthermia treatments is often a reduction in tumor size, an increased likelihood of remission, and an enhanced overall cancer recovery.

Administering Hyperthermia Treatments

In most cases, hyperthermia treatments are used alongside other cancer treatments. When administering the treatments, the key is to raise the body temperature in the cancerous area, usually in the range of approximately 108 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the type and location of the cancerous cells, hyperthermia may be administered in a local, regional or whole body method. The method of applying the heat also varies, depending on the type of treatments being administered. Methods for administering local hyperthermia include using microwaves, ultrasound or radio frequency to heat the cancer cells. If the tumors exist close to the skin’s surface, applying the heat externally can be effective. However, for cancer cells that are deeper within the body, other methods can be used. In the case of whole-body hyperthermia, hot water blankets or thermal chambers are often utilized.

Advantages of Hyperthermia Treatments

In addition to helping kill cancer cells and increasing the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, there are also a number of other advantages to hyperthermia treatments. While these treatments can have an extremely detrimental effect on cancer cells, in most cases other body tissues and cells are not affected. As long as the temperature is kept within the accepted ranges, most body tissues deal well with the increased temperature. Although there some side effects which can occur under certain circumstances, overall the treatments are quite safe. If side effects do occur, they are usually limited to reddened skin, tissue swelling, skin blistering and discomfort. However, there can occasionally be more serious side effects, especially when whole body hyperthermia is utilized.

Ongoing Hyperthermia Research

Thanks to the continuing research and hard work of individuals such as Dr. James Haim Bicher, the future is bright for hyperthermia. It is the subject on ongoing clinical trials, such as those performed at Duke University, which show promise for the future of hyperthermia.

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