Local hyperthermia (oncothermia)

Local hyperthermia (oncothermia) is used for many types of cancer, particularly those located in the following areas:

• Cervix
• Endometrium
• Ovary
• Breast
• Large intestine
• Urinary bladder
• Head and neck
• Esophagus
• Kidney
• Liver
• Lungs
• Pancreas
• Prostate

Local hyperthermia (oncothermia) and chemotherapy

Recent scientific reports show that combined local hyperthermia (oncothermia) with chemotherapy achieves significantly better results than chemotherapy alone.

Local hyperthermia (oncothermia) induces heating of cancer cells through the use of high-frequency waves. In this way, the metabolism of the cells and their surroundings are affected.

Heating the area around the tumor, along with chemotherapy, promotes the immune system response (e.g., leukocytes, or defense cells, work more efficiently when there is a slight fever; with hyperthermia, leukocytes have easier access to the tumor tissue).

Local hyperthermia (oncothermia) and radiation therapy

The main task of radiation therapy is to produce free radicals due to ionizing radiation. These are what destroy the DNA of cancer cells.

Local hyperthermia (oncothermia) heats the tissues which results in better perfusion (blood flow through the tissues) and therefore better oxygenation of the area. Cells with low oxygen levels are about 3 times more resistant to gamma radiation than normal cells.

Moreover, the cellular repair mechanism is inhibited by hyperthermia. Therefore, local hyperthermia (oncothermia) is the most effective method to support radiation therapy.

Local hyperthermia (oncothermia) is performed alone or as a supportive therapy for chemotherapy and radiation therapy. During the procedure, the patient lies on a comfortable bed, divided into 21 identical fields.

The fields are equipped with 20 padded segments and 1 electrode. The position of the electrode on the bed can be changed to best match the heated part of the body. The second electrode (an applicator on a boom) can be rotated and positioned at any height.

During therapy, 13.56 MHz radio waves flow through the body area between the two electrodes. Both electrodes are filled with fluid, so they fit perfectly on the body surface. The use of fluid in the electrodes also allows the electrodes to be cooled during the treatment (as the power increases) – a constant, comfortable temperature is maintained.

Local hyperthermia (oncothermia) is performed on a comfortable bed, divided into 21 identical fields.

• The patient removes all metal or magnetic objects from the body.
• He then lies down on a comfortable water mattress.
• The medical staff places the applicator in the right place, over the tumor to be treated.
• The oncothermia procedure begins, during which the patient feels the heat. The procedure does not cause burns or pain.
• In case of discomfort, the medical staff on duty adjusts the power so that the hyperthermia treatment takes place without discomfort. Most patients sleep during the therapy.