Whole Body Hyperthermia (WBH) is a groundbreaking medical treatment that elevates the body’s core temperature to foster healing and activate the immune system. This age-old therapy, backed by recent research, exhibits immense potential in addressing a wide spectrum of medical conditions.
The elevation of core body temperature triggers the production of crucial proteins, known as cytokines, pivotal in immune system function. Notably, interferon-gamma, an immunostimulant, enhances the immune system’s ability to combat infections and diseases, exhibiting anti-tumor properties. Additionally, the production of interleukin-2, responsible for the growth and production of various immune cells, is heightened. This includes the activation of natural killer cells capable of detecting and eliminating tumor cells.
WBH serves as a potent sensitizer in oncology, particularly when combined with other therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, enhancing treatment efficacy and response rates.
Why Opt for Whole Body Hyperthermia Immune Treatment?
Exposing body cells to elevated temperatures induces changes that render them more susceptible to other treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. While very high temperatures can outrightly eliminate cancer cells, careful control of hyperthermia is essential to prevent harm to normal cells and tissues. Dr. Adem Günes, our Medical Director and a renowned pioneer in Hyperthermia, has devised unique protocols to ensure safe and controlled treatment for Verita Life’s patients.
Advanced technology now allows precise delivery of heat, making WBH an effective treatment for various cancer types.Hyperthermia can be administered locally, regionally, or throughout the entire body, depending on the extent of the treated area.
Local Hyperthermia:
Heat applied to a small, tumor-like area is termed local hyperthermia.
Different energy forms, such as radio waves, ultrasound waves, and microwaves, are used to heat the affected area. Techniques like High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) deliver highly focused ultrasound waves.
Regional Hyperthermia:
Organs, body cavities, or limbs are heated during regional hyperthermia. Typically used in conjunction with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Methods include isolation perfusion, continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion during surgery, and deep tissue hyperthermia.
Whole Body Hyperthermia:
This treatment raises body temperature using warm water immersion, hot blankets, or thermal chambers. Administered under anesthesia or sedation, it activates immune cells for a few hours, enhancing cell-killing compounds in the blood.
Pros:
● Local hyperthermia offers a non-surgical method to eliminate tumors, relying on precise temperature application.
● Regional and whole-body hyperthermia enhance the effectiveness of other cancer treatments.
● Temperature control is crucial for optimal benefits.
Cons:
● Local hyperthermia may cause pain and side effects like bleeding, infection, and burns at the application site.
● Regional and whole-body hyperthermia can result in symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
● Serious side effects, though rare, may include issues with major organs like the heart and blood vessels.
While Whole Body Hyperthermia remains an experimental technique, ongoing research and treatment plan improvements have led to fewer side effects. The evolving landscape of hyperthermia holds promise for its incorporation into mainstream cancer treatment, offering a better and widely accessible approach to address cancers throughout the body.
