Hyperthermic Extracorporeal Applied Tumor Therapy (HEATT®) in Hospice Eligible Cancer Patients

Abstract

Abstract Previous research has indicated elevated temperatures of 42°C induce cell death, apoptosis, or senescence of responsive cancers, providing a mechanism for tumor destruction and management. Veno-venous perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia (VV-PISH) may be the key to improving advanced tumor responsiveness as solo therapy or as an adjunct to previously failed chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy alone, or in combination. The most recent iteration of VV-PISH, Hyperthermic Extracorporeal Applied Tumor Therapy (HEATT®), provides homogeneous heating of all tissues with electrolyte and pH control, and continues to prove safe and effective. This consecutive series of 13 hospice-eligible patients confirms that HEATT® is safe and efficacious in a near end-of-life diverse population; 8/13 exceeded expected median survival, 6/13 exceeded the 6-month predicted end-of-life, and 5/13 exceeded 12 months. Several lessons learned allowed inclusion and exclusion criteria refinement. Utilization of HEATT® in all eligible patients should be considered as a part of integrative oncology care.