Alternative Cancer Treatment - Understanding Hyperthermia
Although there are numerous alternative cancer therapies on the horizon, hyperthermia continues to be one of the most promising. Based on the fact that cancer cells are susceptible to heat, hyperthermia can be used to reduce the size of tumors and kill cancer cells. It can also be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments to make them more effective. Thanks to the research and work of dedicated oncologists such as Dr. James Haim Bicher, hyperthermia holds a lot of promise as an effective alternative cancer therapy.
The Mechanism of Hypothermia
Hypothermia treatments effectively leverage the power of heat to weaken and kill tumor cells. Because of the abnormal nature of cancer cells, they tend to be susceptible to heat levels in excess of the normal body temperature. When the temperature of cancer cells is raised, they experience difficulties dissipating the heat. Fortunately the surrounding healthy cells find it much easier to deal with heat. This is because normal cells have a more organized vascular structure, as compared to the disorganized structure of a tumor. Since the disorganized structure of tumor cells already makes it difficult for them to get sufficient nutrients and oxygen, the added stress of high heat can significantly weaken them, even to the point of dying.
Moderate Hyperthermia Treatments
Hyperthermia treatments frequently utilize temperatures in the range of 108 to 111 degrees Fahrenheit, which often has the ability to kill cancer cells directly. This temperature range also has the added benefit of improving the delivery and effectiveness of other chemotherapeutic cancer treatments. Because heat will increase the blood flow to the tumor area, it can help more chemotherapeutic medications reach the targeted cells. Heat can also cause the division of cancer cells to slow down, assisting other cancer treatments in fighting the disease.
Mild Hyperthermia Treatments
Even milder hyperthermia treatments utilizing temperatures in the range of a high fever can be beneficial. These slightly higher body temperatures tend to stimulate a natural immunological attack by the body, targeting the cancer cells. Since a fever is the body's natural attack mechanism against disease, it's easy to understand why mild hyperthermia can mimic this effect.
High Temperature Hyperthermia Treatments
In some cases, very high temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit are used as part of hyperthermia treatments. These methods, designed to directly destroy tumor cells, usually involve penetrating the tumor cells with a metal tube, which is then heated to destroy the cells.
Whole Body Hyperthermia Treatments
Sometimes whole body hyperthermia treatments are needed, based on the type and location of the cancer cells. In these cases, the overall temperature of the body is raised, often by using thermal chambers, hot water blankets, or other whole body heating methods. Although whole body treatments must be used with great care, they can produce good results for some types of cancer.
Choosing the Correct Hyperthermia Treatment
There are various ways of utilizing hyperthermia, depending on the type and location of the cancer cells. Because of this, it is imperative to work with a qualified doctor or oncologist, such as Dr. James Haim Bicher, who is knowledgeable and experienced in the use of hyperthermia to fight cancer.
"Alternative Cancer Treatment - Understanding Hyperthermia", was submitted 01/25/2012 under category Cancer Survival.
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