Hyperthermia is a medical procedure that raises the temperature of a specific area of the body, or the whole body, slightly above normal body temperature, in order to change the physiological response of tissue. It is usually used as an adjunct to other cancer treatments.
How high does the temperature usually go?
According to publicly available educational material from the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI), hyperthermia generally refers to heating body tissue above normal body temperature (about 37°C), typically staying below about 45°C. The actual temperature and duration depend on the technology used and the treatment purpose.
| State | Approximate temperature |
|---|---|
| Normal body temperature | About 37°C |
| Common fever | About 38–39°C |
| Typical hyperthermia treatment range | About 39–45°C (varies by technology) |
Is hyperthermia used alone to treat cancer?
Generally, no. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), hyperthermia is usually not used by itself — it is most often combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The actual treatment plan should be developed by an oncology care team based on the individual patient’s condition.
What are the main categories of hyperthermia?
Based on the size of the area heated, hyperthermia is generally divided into local, regional, and whole-body approaches. See Types & Technology for details.
Is hyperthermia the same as having a fever?
Not quite. A fever is the body's natural response to infection or inflammation and is usually not precisely controlled. Medical hyperthermia, by contrast, is a planned, measurable heating procedure applied to a specific area or the whole body under professional monitoring.
Last updated: 2026-08-16 | Sources: Publicly available educational materials from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and American Cancer Society (ACS). If content differs from the latest research, the latest publicly available information takes precedence — please also consult your care team.