What is LRHT?
Loco-regional hyperthermia is a non-invasive therapy that uses a precise, deep-heating electromagnetic field to raise the temperature of a target area to a therapeutic range of 40°C–44°C. At Via Natural Medicine, this treatment is delivered using the I-Wave system, which operates at 434 MHz and is designed to penetrate up to 10–15 cm into the body, reaching deep internal tissue without burning the skin.
LRHT is used as an adjunct therapy alongside conventional oncological treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is not a replacement for those treatments, and it is not a cure for cancer.
How does it work?
LRHT changes the tumor's biology in ways that make other treatments more effective:
Radiosensitization: Controlled heating dilates blood vessels, increasing oxygen delivery to the tumor. Oxygen-deprived (hypoxic) cells are up to three times more resistant to radiation, so improving oxygenation makes radiation significantly more effective.
Inhibiting DNA Repair: Heat at therapeutic temperatures temporarily disrupts the cancer cell's ability to repair damage caused by radiation or chemotherapy, increasing cell death rates.
Enhanced Drug Delivery: Increased blood flow and greater cell membrane permeability allow higher concentrations of chemotherapy agents to reach the tumor.
Immune Activation: Stressed cancer cells release Heat Shock Proteins, which act as signals to the immune system. This can help T-cells and NK cells recognize and attack the tumor more effectively.
What conditions is it used for?
LRHT has the strongest clinical evidence as an adjunct in:
Solid tumors including breast, lung, pancreatic, liver, and brain. Pelvic cancers including ovarian, uterine, and prostate. Head and neck tumors and lymphoma. Skin cancers including recurrent basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Non-oncological applications include women's pelvic health conditions (endometriosis, PCOS, chronic pelvic congestion), urological conditions (BPH, chronic prostatitis), orthopedic concerns (knee osteoarthritis, lumbar pain), and recovery support including post-viral fatigue.
Dr. Beatty will review your case to determine whether LRHT is appropriate for your situation and how it fits within your broader treatment plan.
Is it safe?
LRHT is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild discomfort during treatment, temporary redness, and mild skin warmth. Serious adverse effects are rare with current technology and proper treatment planning.
LRHT is not appropriate for patients with electronic implants (pacemakers, defibrillators), extensive metal implants in the treatment field, unstable cardiovascular conditions, severe renal failure, active fever, recent surgery, poor circulation in the treatment area, or organ transplant. Pregnancy is a contraindication for pelvic and abdominal treatments.
Please disclose all medications, implants, and relevant health conditions before your first session.
