Prostata Carcinoma

Prostata Hyperthermia Therapy

We now have a new medical device for treating tumors of the prostate gland at our Center, making treatment with loco-regional hyperthermia more precise. Modern technology has made it possible to successfully treat both benign prostate diseases such as infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis) or benign enlargement as well as prostate cancer with this new method.

Prostate Hyperthermia Treatment and how it Works

For years the Center for Hyperthermia in Hanover has been one of the most prominent centers for hyperthermia – also in the field of prostate disease and prostate cancer. In our clinic we use a special device for transurethral radio frequency hyperthermia (or TURF) – the radio frequency PCT2000 made by Oncotherm – which in addition to heat builds up an electric field by means of radio short waves. Contrary to microwaves, which used to be applied, the radio short waves have a wider range and they are less damaging to healthy tissue. Transurethral hyperthermia consists of placing a catheter in the urethra under local anesthesia, on the end of which is a probe. This probe works like a transmitter, with the receivers of the control signals that transfer the radio frequencies attached to the hip or upper thigh of the patient. The electric waves are sent via the probe to the prostate tissue, where they are transformed into heat. The probe itself remains cool, so there is no danger of injuring the urethra. The thicker the tissue is, the more it absorbs the waves and the higher the temperature gets. During transurethral hyperthermia the temperatures reach between 48 and 52 degrees Celsius; a temperature of 52.5 degrees has proven to be very effective with benign enlargements of the prostate gland.

The heat created by the electric waves damages the enlarged tissue of the prostate gland and the prostate cancer, while the electric field acts as a kind of alpha blocker. That means it depolarizes the so-called alpha receptors, which are located on the prostate musculature. In this manner the musculature is relaxed, the flow of urine is improved and the prostate gland is made smaller. The prostate cancer builds back. The treatment can be done on an outpatient basis and is completely painless. One treatment takes between 60 and 180 minutes depending on the seriousness of the problem or the prostate cancer; usually 2 to 3 treatments are required. In the case of a prostate carcinoma, 2 to 3 treatments are required within two days of each other in order to ensure that all of the cancer cells have been destroyed.

Of course it is very important to us at the Center that we take all-round good care of our patients throughout the entire therapy. During treatment the patient sits in a comfortable armchair and can read and have a cup of fortifying Ayurvedic tea to relax. Muted light, relaxing music and soft colors in the rooms of the center also contribute toward a relaxing experience.

Advantages of transurethral hyperthermia:

• No risky operation
• No full anesthesia
• Low cost
• No side effects like incontinence or impotence
• No complications

Prevention by taking food supplements

For all men, the probability of getting prostate disease increases with age. However, except in cases of genetic predisposition, men can help keep the risk as low as possible by eating healthy food. Today we know that a large share of the animal fats, in particular the saturated ones and heated fatty acids increase the risk of developing prostate carcinomas (prostate cancer). But also oxidative stress in the body, the defects in proteins, fats and especially in the genetic make-up are a main cause of cancer of the prostate gland.

Consequently, those food components that reduce oxidative stress and/or support the body’s repair mechanisms are of importance in this context as an aid to healing – the so-called probiotics. They consist of minerals and plant substances with multi-functional properties that get rid of harmful substances, toxins and pathogens in the body.

Here is a selection of what studies have shown (among other things):

Selenium prevents cells from mutating and improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Zinc prevents cancer in the prostate gland from spreading and induces cell death in cancer cells in the prostate gland.

Taking co-enzyme Q10 can make remissions possible even in the late stages of the disease.

Quercetin is a secondary plant substance that can, for example, have positive effects on hyperthermia treatment when administered in high doses as it hinders the formation of heat shock proteins.

The substances contained in pomegranates provoke the cancer cells into returning to the state of healthy cells or in apoptosis, i.e. programmed self-destruction. They also make it considerably more difficult for the tumor to spread by forming new blood vessels.

An herbal mixture from China has also been proven to be very effective, which according to studies in the United States is said to hinder or even destroy cancer cells. The extract, which is called ‘ProSepres’ is made from eight herbs and is said to encourage the ‘self-destruction mechanism’ (apoptosis) of diseased cells. Furthermore, it reduces the ability of the tumor cells to take in androgens and strengthens the immune defenses.