Delivering Energy using Localized Hyperthermia Systems

Clinical hyperthermia (HT) is the application of elevated temperatures to tumors to enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. To realize an effective thermal dose, dedicated heating equipment is used for specific tumor locations (superficial or deep-seated) to induce localized heating via either internal or external devices. This chapter provides an overview of the existing heating techniques for clinical HT treatments. Furthermore, the selection of heating equipment is briefly discussed, as well as quality assurance procedures. To achieve elevated temperature, four heating techniques have been clinically used: electromagnetic and US heating, hyperthermic perfusion, and conductive heating. Accurate treatment planning and delivery are crucial to achieve HT treatment goals. The recent technological advances, when combined with the evolution of temperature-mediated drugs and immunotherapeutic approaches, are expected to lead to personalized HT approaches for cancer patients.