hyperthermia

...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.