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How Do We Treat Breast Cancer?

Approximately 1 out of every 9 women in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. Thanks to advancements in medicine and an increase in breast cancer awareness, the number of deaths resulting from breast cancer has been steadily declining over time. Here is what HCI’s use of hyperthermia for breast cancer treatment in Irvine does to help:

  • Target the tumor
  • Leave surrounding fragile healthy tissues including heart, lungs, lymph nodes and any other affected organ untouched
  • Improve the effectiveness of radiation and/or systemic therapy

About Breast Cancer

Early-stage breast cancer that has a small tumor confined to the breast is often curable. Sometimes breast cancer is detected at a later stage when the cancer has spread within the breast to lymph nodes or distant organs. In these situations, the cure rate is lower, especially if the cancer has spread to distant organs. Common therapies for breast cancer include:

  • surgery
  • chemotherapy
  • radiation therapy
  • hormonal therapy


Whether some or all of these therapies apply to you, the appropriate sequence of these therapies depends upon the specifics of your individual clinical needs.

What Exactly is Hyperthermia

How Does Breast Cancer Spread?

We Treat All Stages and Types of Breast Cancer

We provide personalized care for all stages and types of breast cancer, from early-stage to advanced and recurrent cases.
  • Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
  • Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS)
  • Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
  • Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
  • Inflammatory breast cancer
  • Early-stage breast cancer
  • Locally advanced breast cancer
  • Metastatic breast cancer
  • Recurrent breast cancer
  • ER+ or ER-
  • PR+ or PR-
  • HER2+ or HER2-
  • Triple negative (ER-, PR-, HER2-)

How Does Hyperthermia Therapy Work to Treat Breast Cancer?

Research shows that non-invasive heat therapy hyperthermia delivers effective results in patients with breast cancer. The addition of hyperthermia improves the likelihood of a complete response in breast cancer versus radiation therapy alone. Heat-based hyperthermia therapy can have a significant effect on cancer cells. Heat disrupts cell membranes and increases blood flow to the tumor, making the tumor more sensitive and vulnerable both to your body’s natural immune defenses and to other cancer therapies.

Is Hyperthermia Safe For Surrounding Tissue?

Most patients can expect to tolerate hyperthermia therapy well. Those few who experience side effects find them to be mild. Hyperthermia has no known adverse effects on healthy tissue; this means that hyperthermia can maximize the effectiveness of your therapeutic regimen without risking sensitive surrounding organs.

What are the Benefits of Hyperthermia Therapy Breast Cancer Treatment in Irvine?

  • Increases blood flow to tumors creating a high-oxygen environment, which makes radiation therapy work better
  • Allows for chemotherapy to penetrate deeper into the center of the tumor than otherwise possible
  • Can stimulate an immune response reaction within the tumor improving your body’s ability to fight cancer
Beach with Seagulls

Breast Cancer

The addition of hyperthermia improves the likelihood of a complete response to breast cancer treatment more than radiation therapy alone.

Radiation Therapy Alone
Radiation Therapy + Hyperthermia
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Breast Cancer Treatment Statistics

Breast Vernon CC et al. and van der Zee et al., Int. J. Radiation Oncology Biol. Phys. 1996; 35(4) 731-744 Head & Neck Valdagni et al., Int. J. Radiation Oncology Biol. Phys. 1994; 28: 163-169 Melanoma Overgaard J et al., Int. J. Hyperthermia 1996; 12(1): 3-20 Cervical van der Zee et al. Int. J. Hyperthermia 2002; 18(1): 1-12, Berdov, BA and Menteshashvili, GZ. Thermoradiotherapy of patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the rectum. Int. J. Hyperthermia 1990; 6(5): 881-890

Hyperthermia Is A Clinically Proven Powerful Breast Cancer Treatment Option

Ongoing research shows hyperthermia delivers effective results when combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Hyperthermia therapy can be added to your plan for breast cancer treatment in Irvine at any time. We find it optimal to initiate treatment with hyperthermia as soon as the patient begins receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Strengthening your therapeutic regimen leads to the best outcome. For all patients, the aim is to select the therapies that lead to the best outcome with the fewest side effects.

Selected Hyperthermia and Breast Cancer Studies

We understand how hard it can be to navigate cancer research. We’ve selected some studies from trusted sources to help you learn more about breast cancer and hyperthermia.

Mountain Lake

Why Choose HCI for My Breast Cancer Treatment in Irvine?

At the Hyperthermia Cancer Institute in Irvine, California, we understand that a breast cancer diagnosis can be an incredibly personal and challenging journey. Under the leadership of Dr. Joseph J. Pinzone, our patient care team is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized support to individuals facing breast cancer. We recognize and value the unique paths of each patient, offering non-invasive hyperthermia therapy with FDA-approved technology in a relaxed and supportive environment. Our specialized treatment approach and exceptional patient care team ensure that patients receive gentle hyperthermia treatment specifically tailored to address the complexities of breast cancer. With a focus on understanding each patient’s individual needs, our team is committed to providing maximal impact on every breast cancer patient’s life journey. Additionally, we provide unparalleled support in navigating health insurance coverage for hyperthermia treatment and offer assistance with administrative, travel, and lodging needs. At our cancer center in Irvine, choosing our personalized and compassionate care means gaining access to a dedicated physician and nursing team passionate about addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of healing from breast cancer.

FAQ

What is hyperthermia?​
Hyperthermia treatment is non-invasive and non-toxic. There is no damage to normal healthy tissues during your session, meaning it can maximize the efficacy of other treatments like radiation and chemo without risking damage to vital organs. Most patients find it easy to tolerate and do not experience side effects.
Hyperthermia increases blood flow to tumors, making them more susceptible to chemotherapy. It also helps chemotherapy to better penetrate the tumor’s core, something that is difficult for chemo to achieve on its own. Lastly, after chemotherapy has damaged the cancer cells’ DNA, hyperthermia prevents the body from repairing the DNA, maintaining the cells’ vulnerability to chemo.
Radiation is most effective in an oxygen-rich atmosphere. With hyperthermia, more oxygen enters the tumor’s core through increased blood flow, allowing for more dramatic radiation treatment outcomes. When radiation damages the DNA in cancer cells, hyperthermia prevents the body from repairing the cells’ DNA, keeping the cancer cells vulnerable and susceptible to radiation.
Hyperthermia therapy is versatile and can be applied to various stages of breast cancer, from early-stage to advanced and recurrent cases. Your physician will evaluate your unique situation to determine if hyperthermia can complement your treatment plan.
Hyperthermia therapy is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing minimal to no discomfort during the session. The treatment is designed to be gentle, and any mild sensations of warmth are temporary and subside quickly after the session.
A typical hyperthermia session lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the treatment area and the patient’s specific needs. Your care team will provide a detailed schedule tailored to your therapy plan.

While hyperthermia is most commonly paired with radiation or chemotherapy, it can also enhance outcomes when used in conjunction with surgery, especially for addressing residual cancer cells post-surgery. Your doctor will advise if this combination is suitable for your case.

No, hyperthermia therapy is a non-invasive outpatient procedure. Patients can return home shortly after each session and continue with their regular activities, making it a convenient addition to their cancer treatment plan.
Yes, hyperthermia is particularly beneficial for recurrent breast cancer, especially in previously irradiated areas. It can enhance re-irradiation effectiveness and provide durable palliation for chest wall recurrences.
Most patients feel little to no side effects after a hyperthermia session. Some may experience mild warmth or redness in the treated area, which typically resolves quickly. Your care team will provide aftercare instructions to ensure a comfortable recovery and maximize the benefits of your treatment.