Hyperthermia
What is hyperthermia?
Hyperthermia uses heat
A cancer treatment that kills cancer cells.
Hyperthermia is a treatment that utilizes the heat-sensitive nature of cancer cells to heat the affected area with electromagnetic waves such as high frequency waves, killing or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. It is attracting attention as an ideal treatment because it can treat the area with cancerous lesions without damaging normal tissue.
Boosting immunity through warming
It is believed that the rise in body temperature caused by hyperthermia activates lymphocytes, causing the proliferation of NK cells, cytotoxic T cells, dendritic cells, and other cells, increasing their aggressiveness against cancer cells.
Improved quality of life (QOL) is expected
It improves quality of life by reducing cancer pain, increasing appetite, restoring energy, feeling refreshed by sweating, and improving mood.
Promoting drug uptake into cancer tissue
Combining drug therapy with high-frequency hyperthermia increases the amount of drug absorbed into cancer tissue by several times, further enhancing the effectiveness of the drug.
Sensitize the effects of radiation therapy
Because it has a radiation sensitizing effect, it is possible to control cancer with a reduced dose. It has also been proven that it is effective against cancer types that are resistant to radiation when used in combination with hyperthermia.
Few side effects
The heating effect of the high-frequency energy used in treatment is temporary and does not have any cumulative adverse effects.
Unlike conventional cancer treatments, there are almost no side effects, so treatment can be repeated as many times as needed.
Cancer types to be treated
Hyperthermia is suitable for almost all types of cancer (solid cancer).
We also offer treatment suggestions for stages I to IV, recurrent cancer, metastatic cancer, and cancer prevention.
*Not suitable for brain, eye, or blood cancer.
deep malignant tumor
●Esophageal cancer
●Stomach cancer
●Colon cancer
●Rectal cancer
●Pancreatic cancer
●Bile duct cancer
●Liver cancer
●Kidney cancer
●Prostate cancer
●Bladder cancer
●Lung cancer
●Uterine cancer
●Ovarian cancer , etc.
deep malignant tumor
●Head and neck cancer
●Breast cancer
●Malignant melanoma
●Anal canal cancer
●Bone metastasis
●Soft tissue sarcoma, etc.
How hyperthermia works
Kills cancer tissue without damaging normal tissue
Cancer tissue is said to be more sensitive to heat than normal tissue, and will die at temperatures of around 41.5°C to 44°C.
Even if high frequency waves are applied to cancerous tissue and normal tissue at the same time, the blood vessels in the normal tissue expand, increasing blood flow and making it easier for them to dissipate heat, but the blood vessels in cancerous tissue barely expand and have little blood flow, making it easier for them to store heat and maintain a higher temperature than normal tissue.As a result, the surrounding normal cells are not damaged, and the cancer cells cannot withstand the high temperature, so it is expected that the cancerous tissue will shrink.
When normal tissue is heated
Normal tissue dissipates heat through increased blood flow, making it difficult to measure temperature.
When cancer tissue is heated
Because blood flow to cancerous tissue does not increase, it is unable to release heat, which results in reduced blood flow, a rise in temperature, a lack of nutrients, and the tissue begins to die.
●Cell viability after heating
When heat is applied, the blood vessels in cancer tissue are distorted and blood flow is poor, making it difficult for oxygen to be supplied. When oxygen is lacking, lactic acid accumulates and the pH becomes acidic, making the tissue more susceptible to heat.
In this way, heat builds up within the tumor, and when the temperature reaches around 42°C, cancer cells begin to die off one after another.
● Changes in blood flow between normal tissue (skin and muscle) and cancer tissue
As the temperature rises, blood flow to the skin and muscles increases rapidly, but blood flow within the tumor (red diagonal line) barely increases.
For this reason, even when heat is applied, the heat cannot escape and becomes very hot.
Heating principle
The body is sandwiched between a pair of electrode plates centered on the affected area, and high-frequency waves are passed between the electrodes, generating Joule heat and raising the temperature of the affected area.
Hyperthermia and combination therapy
Cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, and hyperthermia therapy can enhance the effectiveness of these therapies when used in combination with them.
Combined with surgery
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be performed to shrink the cancer before surgery, but greater effectiveness can be expected by combining them with hyperthermia.
It is also expected to prevent postoperative recurrence.
Combined use with chemotherapy (anticancer drugs)
It is expected that the heating caused by hyperthermia will make it easier for anti-cancer drugs to be taken up by cells. Also, when anti-cancer drugs are used at reduced doses to reduce side effects, combining hyperthermia with the original drug can achieve the same effect.
Combined with radiation therapy
Hyperthermia can inhibit the repair of cancer cells damaged by radiation therapy. This inhibition is particularly pronounced at temperatures above 42°C. Furthermore, cancer cells that exist in environments where radiation is less effective (low oxygen and low pH) have low resistance to heat, and heating can compensate for the therapeutic effect.
Combination with immunotherapy
Hyperthermia has the effects of "weakening cancer cells" and "activating the immune system," and is thought to have a high potential to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Hyperthermia treatment flow
2. Counseling
We will check the patient's condition and symptoms.
We will perform the necessary tests and evaluate suitability. We will explain the treatment plan and hyperthermia, and inform you of the treatment schedule and fees.
3. Hyperthermia
The number of sessions per course will depend on your physical condition and illness and will be determined in consultation with your doctor.
Typically, heating treatment is performed once a week to once every three weeks for a total of eight sessions, each lasting approximately 40 minutes.
After the first course is completed, we will assess the effectiveness and proceed accordingly.
Hyperthermia Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the treatment only once?
Depending on the symptoms, multiple treatments may be required.
Q: How long does the treatment take?
The treatment takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, including preparation.
Q: How do I receive hyperthermia for the first time?
First, you will register for your first consultation at the outpatient clinic and we will discuss your suitability.
If you are receiving treatment at another medical institution, please bring a referral letter.
Q: Is health insurance applicable?
Various health insurances are applicable.
If you continue treatment after the 8th session, it may be possible to receive treatment outside of insurance coverage (at your own expense).
Q: Are there any side effects or effects on the body?
Hyperthermia is a safe treatment with almost no side effects, although side effects vary from person to person.
In rare cases, burns in the affected area, a lump of subcutaneous fat (fat induration), or dehydration may occur.
To avoid these side effects, please inform a technician or nurse if you experience any tingling or heat sensations during heating. Fat nodules will disappear naturally within 1-2 weeks, and the pain will gradually subside. To prevent dehydration, be sure to drink plenty of fluids before treatment.
Q Is it effective for metastatic or recurrent cancer?
Hyperthermia has also been shown to be effective in treating metastatic and recurrent cancer.
Q: Can I have hyperthermia every day?
When the body is heated, heat shock proteins are produced. Once these heat shock proteins are produced, the body becomes less resistant to heat (thermostability), so cancer cells do not die easily even if the body is heated again. Heat shock proteins disappear within 72 hours after heating, so hyperthermia treatment is generally performed once or twice a week. For specific details, please consult with your doctor depending on your physical condition and condition.
Q Are there cases where I cannot undergo hyperthermia?
Those who fall under any of the following categories cannot receive the treatment:
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Those with illnesses that are not suitable for the treatment (cancer of the brain, eyeball, or blood)
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Those who use cardiac pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, or cochlear implants
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Those who have metal objects such as stents placed in the heating area
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Those with tattoos that use metal powder in the heating area
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Those who have breast augmentation material (silicone) embedded in the heating area
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Those in poor overall health
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Those with extremely poor nutritional status
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Pregnant women and those who have just given birth
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infants and young children
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Those for whom treatment is dangerous due to communication difficulties, etc.