Thermotherapy

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Thermotherapy, or therapy by induced hyperthermia, may be used as a cancer treatment to kill or weaken tumor cells, with negligible effects on healthy cells. Tumor cells, with a disorganized and compact vascular structure, have difficulty dissipating heat. Hyperthermia may therefore cause cancerous cells to undergo apoptosis in direct response to applied heat, while healthy cells can more easily maintain a normal temperature. Even if the cancerous cells do not die outright, they may become more susceptible to ionizing radiation treatments or to certain chemotherapies, allowing such therapy to be given in smaller doses. A far infrared sauna is an excellent modality to promote hyperthermia.

Thermotherapy may also be used in vine propogation to get rid of viroids (particles smaller than viruses) which may affect the new vine

Thermotherapy should not be confused with fever therapy using Coley's Toxins.

External links

eMedicine [med/3070]
[Thermotherapy] for treating rheumatoid arthritis, from Cochrane Library

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