Hover over a term you want explained. If you need more details, then click on the term and a new tab will open with a full details page.
Hyperthermia, also called cancer thermal therapy, is a treatment that uses controlled heat to damage or kill cancer cells. The goal is to raise the temperature of cancerous tissue to a level that harms cancer cells but causes little or no damage to normal tissue. This heating can be done in different ways, such as using microwaves, radio waves, ultrasound, lasers, or heated fluids. Hyperthermia can target small tumors, larger areas, or even the whole body, depending on the situation.
Hyperthermia is often used alongside other cancer treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Many clinical trials have shown that adding hyperthermia can help shrink tumors and make these treatments more effective at killing cancer cells. It is especially considered for advanced cancers that may be harder to treat with standard therapies alone. Besides its role in active treatment, hyperthermia may also be used to support comfort, reduce stress, and help with symptom relief during cancer care.
If hyperthermia is part of a treatment plan, patients may hear it called thermal therapy, thermal ablation, or thermotherapy. The treatment involves heating the tumor area, sometimes with probes inserted into or near the tumor, or by applying heat externally. Imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasound may be used to guide the treatment. The heat level is carefully monitored to protect healthy tissue. Patients might also encounter hyperthermia mentioned in medical reports, clinical trial descriptions, or treatment discussions.
Hyperthermia treatment is not widely available and is usually offered at specialized cancer centers. It has been used for various advanced cancers, including bladder, breast, brain, cervical, esophageal, head and neck, liver, lung, melanoma, mesothelioma, sarcoma, and colorectal cancers. The specific type of hyperthermia used depends on the tumor’s location and size.
Seeing the term hyperthermia in a medical record or discussion does not automatically mean it is a standalone cure or a routine treatment for all cancers. It is usually part of a combined approach and may also refer to supportive care uses like symptom relief or stress reduction. It is important not to assume hyperthermia is appropriate or effective for every patient or cancer type without detailed medical advice.
If hyperthermia is mentioned, patients and caregivers can ask how it fits into the overall treatment plan, what type of hyperthermia will be used, what to expect during treatment, possible side effects, and how it might improve outcomes. It is also helpful to ask about the availability of this treatment and whether it is part of a clinical trial or standard care at the treatment center.
This explanation is for education and does not replace medical advice. Hyperthermia treatment decisions depend on many factors unique to each patient. If you see the term in your records or hear it from your care team, the best next step is to ask for clear information about what it means for your specific situation and how it might affect your care.
Public source information used for this glossary entry includes: