Cancer hyperthermia
Cancer hyperthermia uses medical equipment (radiofrequency, microwave or ultrasound) to warm tumour tissue to about 40–44 °C. Used together with radiotherapy or chemotherapy, it may make cancer cells more sensitive to them. It is different from ablation, which uses much higher heat to destroy tissue directly.
Who it may suit
- Selected cervical and other pelvic cancers, together with radiotherapy
- Some breast, head-and-neck and soft-tissue sarcoma cases
- Certain recurrent tumours, as decided by the oncology team
What happens
- Review of the diagnosis and the planned radiotherapy or chemotherapy
- Planning by the oncology team
- Sessions of about an hour, usually once or twice a week during the main treatment
- Temperature and skin monitored throughout
Follows the main treatment course, often 3 to 6 weeks.
Rarely available in Canada. More widely used in parts of Europe and in China.
Things to know. Hyperthermia is not a stand-alone cure and does not replace surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Burns, pain and damage to healthy tissue can occur. A benefit shown in one cancer cannot be assumed for others.
Why an introduction matters
Many of China’s leading specialists work in busy public hospitals without international patient offices. They rarely answer enquiries from abroad directly, and a file sent without an introduction often goes unread. Cases usually reach them through people they already know and trust. Our team on the ground makes that introduction, presents your case properly in Chinese, and follows up until you have an answer.
Some programmes, especially stem-cell and other cell treatments, are experimental. We introduce them only if you ask and your own specialist agrees, and we never describe them as cures.