Hyperthermia is a concentrated heat therapy that makes radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy much more effective.
Hyperthermia is a concentrated heat therapy that makes radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy much more effective.

Most oncologists use one or a combination of three methods to treat cancer: surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Hyperthermia can be a useful addition in all these methods of treatment. When integrated with radiation therapy or chemotherapy, hyperthermia enhances their potency. In select cases, hyperthermia is a stand-alone treatment that can be employed to kill cancerous cells.
The addition of hyperthermia improves the likelihood of a complete response to breast cancer treatment more than radiation therapy alone.
When combined with radiation therapy, hyperthermia increases the likelihood of a complete response in cervical cancers by nearly 50%.
Overall survival rate at 5 years post-treatment of rectal cancer increased with the addition of hyperthermia.
Hyperthermia when combined with radiation therapy, increases the likelihood of a complete response in head and neck cancers.
Hyperthermia increases the likelihood of a complete response in melanoma cancers by upwards of 50% when combined with radiation therapy.
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
The increased blood flow caused by hyperthermia allows radiation or chemotherapy to penetrate deeper into the tumor than otherwise possible. The deeper the chemicals infiltrate, the more effective they are at fully destroying cancerous cells.
Another benefit of hyperthermia treatment is that it can be utilized to treat a wide range of cancers, including those on the list below. If you don’t see your cancer here or you have an aggressive form, we may still be able to help. Please contact us so we can learn more about your needs.
Patients can expect to handle hyperthermia treatment well, and the majority do not experience side effects. Those who do find their side effects to be mild. The caring team at HCI strives to make our patients as comfortable as possible; to that end, our treatment rooms are designed to be serene and relaxing environments.
It’s been established that hyperthermia does not adversely impact healthy cells.
Hyperthermia actually stimulates the body’s immune system against tumors. The heat used in the treatment increases the ability of T cells to identify and attack cancerous cells. Hyperthermia also prevents cancer cells from self-repairing by irreparably damaging their DNA structure.
The ultrasonic heat generated by hyperthermia treatments creates a fever-like atmosphere around the tumor and within it, which catalyzes the body’s immune system to attack. This gives the body another layer of defense along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
“My mom received hyperthermia here in conjunction with five rounds of chemotherapy for her stage four lung cancer. She saw a reduction in tumor burden by over 50% and her cancer stabilized.The team at HCI is thoughtful and caring – I recommend hyperthermia for all cancer patients undergoing chemo or radiation.”
“I just wanted to let you know that I am in my first cancer-free year! Thank you again for the time, effort and care given to me during my time of need. I will continue to spread the word of incredible hyperthermia treatments to those in need.”
– Merry Chase
“The hyperthermia treatments were the major difference in treating my cancer. I am forever grateful for this technology.”
– Carla Olson
Multiple scientific and clinical studies prove that hyperthermia has no known adverse effects on healthy cells. HCI uses a sophisticated ultrasound system called the Sonotherm 1000 that targets tumors directly. Our skilled staff carefully calibrates the temperature and depth of ultrasonic penetration to ensure patient comfort and treatment efficacy. The ultrasonic energy destroys cancer cells up to 10cm below the natural layer of fat.
Sessions last from 45 minutes to an hour, during which tumors are slowly heated to 109°F (43°C). Hyperthermia treatment happens in a series of treatments, the number of which is determined by our medical director and the patient’s oncology team. Most patients undergo the same amount of hyperthermia sessions as they do for radiation or chemotherapy.
The team at HCI is outstanding. They treated us with so much care and respect! The technology helped my wife tremendously and the treatment is relatively comfortable compared to many cancer therapies. We highly recommend. Oh, and it is in one of the most beautiful places on the planet!
I went to Hyperthermia cancer institute 5-6 days a week for 4 weeks. On my birthday, I received a call from my oncologist and they could not find a trace of tumor in the MRI. The tumor went to a zero! It is a complete success.
Dr. Pinzone and the whole team are fantastic and truly care about their patients. I highly recommend!
My mom received hyperthermia here in conjunction with five rounds of chemotherapy for her stage four lung cancer. She saw a reduction in tumor burden by over 50% and her cancer stabilized. I recommend hyperthermia for all cancer patients undergoing chemo or radiation.
The team at HCI is outstanding. They treated us with so much care and respect! The technology helped my wife tremendously and the treatment is relatively comfortable compared to many cancer therapies. We highly recommend. Oh, and it is in one of the most beautiful places on the planet!
I went to Hyperthermia cancer institute 5-6 days a week for 4 weeks. On my birthday, I received a call from my oncologist and they could not find a trace of tumor in the MRI. The tumor went to a zero! It is a complete success.
Dr. Pinzone and the whole team are fantastic and truly care about their patients. I highly recommend!
My mom received hyperthermia here in conjunction with five rounds of chemotherapy for her stage four lung cancer. She saw a reduction in tumor burden by over 50% and her cancer stabilized. I recommend hyperthermia for all cancer patients undergoing chemo or radiation.
The Hyperthermia Cancer Institute understands that overcoming cancer requires a significant time commitment. If you are visiting from out of town, we can help arrange travel and lodging to make your visit as seamless as possible. Our caring patient team is here to help plan your visit, handling the details so you can focus on healing.
If you require housing for the duration of your hyperthermia treatments, we offer a list of preferred Airbnb hosts within walking distance to our center. Additionally, there are several hotels in the area offering a discounted rate to our patients.
For our patients requiring air travel, we work with a philanthropic organization whose mission is to offset the cost of medical travel for patients and their families. Angel Flight West, for those that qualify, uses donated flights to serve people with medical or other pressing needs.
Many of our patients take advantage of UBER and Lyft as a transportation option, and some rely on buses as well.
We at HCI understand how difficult a cancer diagnosis can be. Our driving force is to improve the quality and length of each patient’s life.
The Hyperthermia Cancer Institute patient care team comprises a dedicated group of professionals and licensed healthcare providers led by Joseph J. Pinzone, MD, MBA, FACP. Each member of our team is committed to understanding the unique needs of each patient and are passionate about providing maximal impact on every patient’s life journey.
Our specialized treatment approach, expertise, and exceptional patient care team make HCI a standout from larger cancer institutions. Our sole focus is delivering non-invasive, hyperthermia therapy with FDA-approved technology in a relaxed and supportive environment. We provide gentle hyperthermia treatment to our patients six days a week, every week.
Hyperthermia Cancer Institute accepts many health insurance plans. All health insurance plans can be subject to change. Contact our office directly and our team will assist you to verify coverage for hyperthermia therapy.
Here are some of the insurance carriers we work with regularly:
Our team empowers patients with peace of mind and specialized solutions that enhance quality of life. Insurance coverage questions are common. We are here to support you to make your journey seamless and stress-free so you can focus on healing.