An Important Tool To Reactivate The Immune System
What is it?
Whole-body hyperthermia is a procedure in which we raise – in a controlled way and constantly under blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature, and ECG monitoring and medical supervision – the body’s temperature to reach fever. This procedure is done in a machine specially devised for this purpose.
How does it work?
This procedure raises the body temperature to a fever, tricking our immune system into thinking it is fighting an infection. This leads to an activation of all the inflammatory cascades which activate a stronger immune response. The goal temperature varies depending on which protocol is being done, but temperatures over 39°C can only be achieved in a hospital setting and under anesthesia.
Against which cancer types can it be used?
Whole-body hyperthermia is more well-suited for an immune-boosting program, usually recommended for patients who are already cancer-free in order to keep the risk of relapse and/or metastasis to a minimum. It may also be used for other diseases not related to cancer (auto-immune, for example).
Our opinion
We suggest this treatment modality for patients who, through other anti-cancer therapies, are already cancer-free. It may still be used in patients with active cancer, but only in specific cases. This procedure is physically very demanding and, therefore, not suitable for everyone. Patients need to be medically fit to be able to endure it and under constant medical supervision.