ABSTRACT
Hyperthermia as a method of treating cancer has a long history. Many Greek and Roman physicians thought that if they could simply control body temperature, they could cure all diseases. After 1950, the modern period of hyperthermia development as a separate treatment modality had started. Though hyperthermia had remained a “hot topic” in scientific journals and among practical oncologists and radiologists, there was no substantial progress in its technologies after 1985 despite significant activities. Hyperthermia induces numerous changes in cellular physiology. The success of hyperthermia as a treatment modality lies in the localization of the heat inside the cancerous tumor without causing thermal damage to surrounding normal tissues. Interstitial techniques are used to treat tumors deep within the body, such as brain tumors. Many types of interstitial hyperthermia equipment are used. The classical hyperthermia effect is based on well-focused energy absorption targeting the malignant tissue. Special developing hyperthermia in oncology is based on nanoparticle applications.
