Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment: A Promising New Therapeutic Approach
Introduction
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. While surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have revolutionized cancer treatment, these conventional modalities have limitations and side effects. Researchers are constantly exploring novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes. One such promising approach gaining attention is hyperthermia cancer treatment.
What is Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment?
Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment is a type of cancer treatment that uses heat to damage and kill cancer cells. It involves raising the temperature of targeted tumor tissues to between 106-113°F for a specified period. At these temperatures, cancer cells become more sensitive to the effects of radiation and certain anticancer drugs. In hyperthermia, the heat is usually generated externally using devices like microwave applicators, radiofrequency electrodes, inductive coils or ultrasounds waves. The heat is selectively delivered to the tumor while protecting normal tissues nearby.
Mechanism of Action
Hyperthermia works by exploiting the difference in heat sensitivity between cancer cells and normal cells. Cancer cells have a reduced ability to tolerate heat compared to normal cells due to their rapid growth rates, poor blood circulation, and impaired thermotolerance genes. At mild hyperthermic temperatures between 106-113°F, cancer cells undergo structural and functional damages
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while sparing surrounding normal tissues. Some of the mechanisms include:
1. Protein Denaturation: Heat disrupts hydrogen bonding in protein structures, leading to loss of shape and functionality of key cancer-related proteins.
2. Cell Membrane Damage: Heat alters fluidity and permeability of cell membranes in cancer cells, interfering with intracellular biochemical pathways.
3. DNA Damage: Higher temperatures accelerate DNA mutations, especially when combined with radiation or chemotherapy. Damaged DNA cannot be repaired efficiently by cancer cells.
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