Alba hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is a therapeutic application of heat utilized to raise, in a controlled manner, the temperature of certain organs and tissues in a range between 41�C and 45�C. In oncology it is used to increase the temperature of a region of the body affected by cancer in order to contrast the progression of the tumor. Hyperthermia therapy has been developed in oncology based on the fact that, with respect to normal tissue cells, tumor cells are more sensitive to temperatures in the range between 40�C and 45�C. The efficacy of heat on tumors can be related to the peculiar combination of hypoxia, nutrient deficiency and acidosis characterizing tumor cells (Hildebrandt et al., 2002; Engin K. et al., 1996; Dewey et al., 1994; Streffer et al., 1987; Giovannella et al 1977; Strom et al., 1977). However in most cases adequate heating of the whole tumor at moderate temperature is difficult to obtain, thus hyperthermia application as a single oncologic treatment modality may be limited.