ABSTRACT
Targeted modulation of tissue temperature for therapeutic purposes is commonly referred to as “thermal therapy” and encompasses a wide array of applications from modulation of the local tissue microenvironment to the ablation of tissue. Extremely cold temperatures below –20°C (cryoablation) or extremely hot temperatures above 50°C (thermal ablation) can be used to rapidly damage tissue. Moderate decreases in temperature (hypothermia) or increases in temperature (hyperthermia) can be used to modulate the biochemistry and physiology to impact endogenous processes such as vascular and cellular permeability, protein and enzyme function, cellular metabolism, and sensitivity to chemo-or radiotherapies, as well as modulate the properties of exogenous agents such as drugs, contrast agents, or micro-/nano-scale particles.
