The role of hyperthermia in modern radiation treatment- state of art

The role of hyperthermia (HT) in conventional oncological treatment has been a subject of research for decades; however, HT has not been incorporated into treatment guidelines on a universal basis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the mechanism of action of HT and have indicated a clear effect that can enhance the effects of radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. The underlying mechanism of HTs action involves either the enhancement of the immune system response or the interference with crucial cellular pathways that are aberrantly altered during the neoplastic process. Consequently, HT has the potential to augment the efficacy of RT treatments markedly. Randomized clinical trials have further demonstrated the efficacy and safety of combining RT and HT. However, it is important to note that the majority of these observations were derived from studies conducted up to two decades ago, which may not fully reflect the current standard of care. The present focus is on the combination of these treatment techniques with modern systemic treatment, which is based on immunotherapy and molecularly targeted drugs. Significant advancements have also been made in the field of HT delivery and the strategies for optimal use of HT. Therefore, it is imperative to synthesize the extant body of knowledge in this field to inform the advancement of techniques for integrating HT with radiation therapy.