Advantages and disadvantages of hyperthermia

A significant advantage of regional and whole body hyperthermia is the fact that these procedures enhance the effectiveness of other cancer therapies. When cancer cells are heated to a temperature of 45 C or higher, they are easier to kill, using radiotherapy Radiotherapy in cancer treatment: irradiation aid   and chemotherapy drugs. With the help of local hyperthermia, such as radiofrequency ablation can destroy tumors without surgery.

For the success of hyperthermia therapy is very important careful temperature control. Scientists almost unanimously agree that hyperthermia works best when for a certain period of time to maintain a stable temperature of the target site. But to achieve this is not always easy. Currently there is no way to accurately measure the temperature inside the tumor. Maintain a constant temperature, without affecting the surrounding tissue, it is also very difficult. In addition, not all tissues in the body react to the rise in temperature the same way - in some areas of the tissue is more sensitive than others. For example, the brain is very sensitive to heat.

Another problem is to monitor the temperature of the target location. Small thermometers can be placed on the tip of the needle, which is used for local hyperthermia - this will ensure that the temperature did not go beyond the optimal range. The temperature also can be monitored using magnetic resonance imaging - most professionals today prefer this method.

Side effects

Possible side effects of hyperthermia therapy depend on the methods used and on what part of the body exposed to high temperatures. Most side effects go away quickly, but some of them are serious and long-lasting.

Local and regional hyperthermia can cause pain in the target area, infection, bleeding, formation of blood clots, swelling, burns, blisters, skin damage, muscle and nerves.

Side effects of whole-body hyperthermia may be nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. More serious but rare side effects of hyperthermia - problems with the heart and blood vessels, and other vital organs.

With improved technology and skills of doctors use of hyperthermia in cancer treatment Cancer Treatment - difficult, but necessary   It becomes safer. In most cases, if there are side effects and they are quite short and do not bring serious harm to the patient.

The future of hyperthermia

Hyperthermia - a promising way to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment, but most of its varieties are still experimental techniques, and are rarely used. There have been many clinical trials of hyperthermia, in order to better understand and improve this technique. Currently, for example, examines the use of hyperthermia in the nanoparticles and heating by means of implanted tumors in these magnetic materials. In addition, physicians continue to learn the use of hyperthermia in conjunction with other therapies for cancer to improve treatment outcomes.

Researchers also are seeking ways to impact on those parts of the body, tumors in which there can not be treated by hyperthermia Hyperthermia - when the body is overheated . In particular, researchers are trying to find ways to treat cancer using hyperthermia bladder, breast, cervical, colorectal, endometrial, head and neck, esophagus, kidney, liver, ovary, pancreas, prostate and thyroid The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones .

Research

To take a fresh look at the problem, scientists from the British University of Nottingham conducted an unusual study, during which tried to find out whether men have more sexual power, subject to a high probability of developing prostate cancer.

Scientists, including Polyxeni Dimitropoulou, Rosalind Eeles and Kenneth R. Muir, examined the detailed history of the sexual life of 840 men. About half of them aged 60 developed prostate cancer, and the other half were healthy in this respect.

The research results surprised everyone, including scientists. As it turned out, sexual contact (sexual act) does not affect the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. But frequent self-satisfaction influenced the development of the disease directly, but in different ways in different periods of life.

Frequent or regular self-gratification at the age of 20 and 30 years significantly increases the risk of prostate cancer later in life will be rewarded. But often self-satisfaction in adulthood, on the contrary, lowers the risk of disease.

Of course, "the frequency of self-satisfaction" - a relative term.

At the age of 20-30 years, "part" is considered masturbation from two to seven times a week. Compared with men of this age, masturbate at least once a month, men who have this kind of sexual gratification likely to develop prostate cancer in the 60 years up to 79%.

But for men older than 50 years, "frequent masturbation" means self-gratification more than twice a week. Compared with men of this age, who never resorted to this kind of sexual gratification, the likelihood of developing prostate cancer are lower by 70%.

How can we explain this phenomenon?

Unfortunately, the study did not find an answer to this question. But scientists still there were several theories. According to them, young men are genetically predisposed to hormonal prostate cancer Prostate cancer - the sad consequences of carelessness More likely to develop this condition if their body naturally produce more male hormones, ie hormones, which provide sexual power.

Therefore, the probability of developing cancer increases not masturbation as such, but only its causes, ie, powerful sexual attraction, even if it does not find a particular object.

With older men is not the case. It is believed that in adulthood, even masturbation is useful because it allows the prostate to get rid of fluids that may contain carcinogens.

In adulthood, it is important to regularly excrete toxins. And since 50 years, the men do not masturbate as often as 20 years, even masturbation is rare in adulthood can be considered as cancer prevention Cancer Prevention - is it possible to protect yourself?   prostate.

But this is only theory. To accurately determine the role of sex hormones and sexual activity in different periods of life in the development of prostate cancer, needs further study.