Mechanism of hyperthermia (for cancer treatment)
However, cancer cells cannot control the amount of blood flowing in the blood vessels, which have been forcibly changed by them. Hyperthermia, a method of treatment, capitalizes on this weakness of cancer tissues.
■Why are cancer cells sensitive to heat?
When heat is applied to normal, healthy cells, they release heat by increasing blood flow - a notable, inherent function. Therefore, body temperature will not increase even when part of the body is heated. The skin of people in a sauna bath becomes red because blood flow has been increased to release heat. On the other hand, if heat is applied to cancer tissues, they will not be able to increase blood flow to release the heat, and their temperature will become 42°C or higher in a relatively short period of time.
When people catch a cold, they develop a high fever to attack viruses and other intruders that may be life-threatening.
THERMOTRON-RF8 continues to send Radio-frequency (RF) to cancer lesions in the body for 30 to 60 minutes until the temperature reaches 42 to 44°C. Cancer tissues, which are more vulnerable to heat and unable to release it, die at these temperatures.
■Is there any possibility of healthy cells being hurt during hyperthermia?
Although some people may associate heating by RF waves with laser beams, high-frequency radio waves are not actually heat waves. When RF waves reach the cells of an object, it generates heat.
Therefore, even if healthy cells are exposed to radio waves, they will not be burned or hurt. When normal healthy cells are exposed to radio waves, they will increase blood flow to release heat and prevent the temperature from rising.
RF waves of 8 MHz used by THERMOTRON-RF8 reach deep into the body and selectively heat cancer cells without having much influence on the surrounding cells.
We receive such comments as the following from patients who have undergone the treatment: "My body felt warmer" and "I perspired copiously". These comments suggest that healthy cells in their bodies increased blood flow to release heat.
■What are the differences from other treatment methods?
Cancer treatment is a battle with adverse effects in a sense. In cancer treatment, it is important to regularly monitor the condition of the patient to maintain a balance between treatment and adverse effects.
Hyperthermia (for cancer treatment) using THERMOTRON-RF8 does not involve sequelae, although patients may sometimes feel a little hot or pain. Furthermore, patients can receive it repeatedly.
■What kinds of cancer is THERMOTRON-RF8 effective for?
Since THERMOTRON-RF8 was put into practice, it has provided treatment for more than 20,000 cancer patients.
The device can be used for the treatment of most regions of the body except the brain and eyeballs: esophagus, lungs, stomach, liver, pancreas, large intestines, bladder, breast, skin, and mouth.
The outcomes of hyperthermia using THERMOTRON-RF8 combined with radio- and chemotherapies have also been favorable. In addition, THERMOTRON-RF8 is also effective for improving QOL (Quality of Life), including pain alleviation, appetite stimulation, and improvement in the level of movements.
■Mechanism of hyperthermia equipmentIn hyperthermia using THERMOTRON-RF8, a pair of electrodes apply RF waves to cancer lesions between them.
Patients only have to lie on a bed for 30 to 60 minutes. Although patients are not allowed to move around and may become a bit bored, they receive treatment without anesthesia while watching TV, listening to music, and talking with physicians and their family.
In fact, the hyperthermia device "THERMOTRON-RF8" is equipped with a TV to help patients feel relaxed during treatment.