Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia
Where Innovation Meets Impact
Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is an advanced form of hyperthermia, a
well-established cancer treatment that uses controlled heat to enhance the effects of
radiotherapy and chemotherapy. By gently raising the temperature of tumour tissue,
hyperthermia increases blood flow, improves oxygenation, and makes cancer cells
more sensitive to treatment, while also interfering with their ability to repair damage.
What makes mEHT different is its precision: instead of heating tissue uniformly, it
uses modulated radiofrequency energy to selectively target malignant cells based on
their unique electrical properties. This allows effective treatment at lower overall
temperatures, reducing stress on healthy tissue while still triggering powerful anti-
cancer effects, including direct tumour damage and immune activation, Because
mEHT systems are relatively affordable, energy-efficient, and adaptable to existing
radiotherapy workflows, they are particularly well suited to low- and middle-income
countries (LMICs), where access to advanced cancer technologies is limited.
By improving treatment outcomes without significantly increasing toxicity or
infrastructure demands, mEHT offers a practical, scalable solution to help address
global disparities in cancer care.
Clinical Research
Saving Women’s Lives in LMICs
80% of cervical cancer deaths occur in LMICs
mEHT offers an affordable, evidence-based solution for public hospitals.
A landmark phase III randomised controlled trial in South Africa showed the addition of
modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) to standard treatment more than doubled 5-year
disease-free survival in women with cervical cancer, with a cost saving to the health
department due to less residual disease and fewer recurrences.
Cervical Cancer 5-year disease-free survival: 14% - 32%
South African clinical research has demonstrated that the addition of modulated
electro-hyperthermia to standard chemoradiation more than doubled five-year
disease-free survival in women with locally advanced cervical cancer, while saving
the healthcare department money over a three-year period.
Clinical Research on mEHT in South Africa
- Tested in a Phase III randomised trial at University of the Witwatersrand in
patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.
- Included HIV-positive and HIV-negative women, reflecting real-world South
African patients.
- Adding mEHT to standard treatment led to significantly better tumour control
and survival outcomes.
- No meaningful increase in side effects, confirming it is safe to combine with
radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- Proven to work effectively in busy public hospitals with limited resources.
- Shows signs of stimulating the immune system, supporting longer-term
cancer control.
- Long-term follow-up demonstrates fewer recurrences and improved outcomes.
- A South African cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) found that mEHT not only
improves survival but reduces overall healthcare costs.
- By lowering recurrence and the need for further treatment, mEHT saves money for the health system
In short: South African research shows that mEHT improves patient outcomes and
helps the Department of Health do more with limited resources.
Addressing the cancer burden in South Africa with modualted electro-hyperthermia:
References:
Effects of Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia (mEHT) on Two and Three Year Survival of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients
Cancers 2022, 14(3),656; doi.org/10.3390/cancers14030656
Analysis of the effects of mEHT on the treatment-related toxicity and quality of life of HIV-positive cervical cancer patients.
International Journal of Hyperthermia, 37:1, 263-272, doi.10.1080/02656736.2020.1737253
Potentiation of the Abscopal Effect by Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients
Frontiers in Oncology, 2020, Volume 10 doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.00376
2448: Modulated electro-hyperthermia improves 5yr disease free survival rates of cervical cancer - Radiotherapy and Oncology Radiotherapy and Oncology, 2024, 194(Supp1), S1094–S1096; doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8140(24)02649-5