Hyperthermia in Cancer Treatment

Heating tumor tissue to enhance therapy response

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Last updated: June 20, 2026

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Hyperthermia in Cancer Treatment?

Hyperthermia in oncology is the controlled application of heat to tumor tissue, typically in the range of forty to forty three degrees Celsius. The aim is to sensitise cancer cells to radiation and chemotherapy by impairing DNA repair, increasing perfusion to drug rich regions and triggering immune effects within the tumor microenvironment.

Local regional or whole body hyperthermia delivery exists. Intracavitary methods such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery are used for peritoneal carcinomatosis and represent the most established surgical adaptation of the principle of heat plus drug synergy.

Evidence is strongest for hyperthermia plus radiotherapy in superficial recurrent breast cancer, locally advanced cervix cancer, soft tissue sarcoma and selected head and neck recurrences. Treatment is delivered with multidisciplinary planning and quality control of temperature monitoring.

Symptoms

Therapy modality without disease symptoms

Skin redness over the heated field

Local discomfort during sessions

Mild systemic warmth for whole body protocols

Tumor specific symptoms persist as before

Risk Factors

Skin burn risk over thin tissues

Cardiovascular limits for whole body therapy

Pacemaker or metal implant interference

Pregnancy contraindication

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

When recurrent superficial breast cancer needs salvage
When locally advanced cervical cancer planning
When soft tissue sarcoma is treated with radiation
When peritoneal carcinomatosis after cytoreduction

Treatment Methods

Local hyperthermia plus radiotherapy

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after surgery

Whole body protocols in clinical trials

Imaging guided heat delivery

Real time temperature monitoring

Multidisciplinary tumor board planning

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.