Local hyperthermia heats a small area of the body or a specific tumor site. The heated area is relatively concentrated and is commonly used for lesions at or near the body surface.
How is local hyperthermia generally delivered?
According to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) classification, local hyperthermia is generally divided into the following delivery methods based on how energy is applied:
| Method | General description |
|---|---|
| External | An external device heats an area at or near the body surface |
| Intraluminal / Endocavitary | A probe is inserted into a natural body cavity (such as the esophagus or rectum) to deliver heat |
| Interstitial | A heating probe is placed directly into tumor tissue |
Which method is actually used depends on tumor location, size, and treatment goals, as assessed by the care team.
When is local hyperthermia typically used?
Local hyperthermia is most often used for surface or near-surface lesions with a relatively confined area. Actual applicability depends on the approved indications of the device used, cancer type, and lesion location — it is not suitable for all lesions.
The classification of local, regional, and whole-body hyperthermia is drawn from general technical categories in publicly available American Cancer Society (ACS) educational materials. It does not represent the Taiwan-approved indications or treatment scope of any specific medical device.
Does local hyperthermia affect other parts of the body?
Local hyperthermia is designed to concentrate the heated area on a specific region, but the actual energy distribution and effect on surrounding tissue depend on the device type, parameter settings, and treatment site — it should be assessed and monitored throughout by the care team.
Last updated: 2026-08-16 | Source: Publicly available educational material from the American Cancer Society (ACS). If content differs from the latest research, the latest publicly available information takes precedence — please also consult your care team.