Whole-body hyperthermia

Whole Body hyperthermia uses external heat to gently raise the body's core temperature under medical supervision. It differs from local hyperthermia which focuses on heating one tumour area, and from a sauna used for relaxation and raises the body to much lower temperatures.

Medically reviewed by Dr Abdulla El-Hossami, Group Chief Medical Officer. Last reviewed 2026-09-30.

The Whole Body Hyperthermia machine

01 / Overview

About Whole Body Hyperthermia

Whole body hyperthermia is a type of specialised thermal therapy that will slowly increase the body’s core temperature to between 38.5°C and 39.5°C under expert medical supervision. The treatment was inspired by the body’s own natural defence of fever response and has been part of supportive oncology programmes around the world for decades.

At Verita Life, we incorporate whole body hyperthermia into personalised treatment plans for patients we believe will be receptive to the treatment. Unlike local body hyperthermia, whole body hyperthermia targets the entire body, systematically raising the body temperature in a controlled clinical environment.

02 / How it works

How Whole Body Hyperthermia works

Using heat to support your body’s own natural defense systems is not a new concept. In fact, before the introduction of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications in the mid-20th century it was the standard treatment for a wide range of infectious and inflammatory conditions.

It has long been understood that elevated body temperature could activate physiological responses in healing and recovery much like a natural fever, causing the body to trigger biological responses that research has shown can support circulation, immune activity, and cellular communication. With recent advances in medical technology we are able to recreate fever range temperatures in a controlled medical environment.

Sources: 1, 2

03 / When it is considered

When this treatment may be considered

Whole body hyperthermia is a treatment that requires careful planning and clinical oversight to ensure each session is comfortable and tailored to your own personal needs.

At Verita Life our approach includes a comprehensive patient assessment, when our team will review your diagnosis, treatment history, current therapies, and your overall health status to determine what will work for you.

We will schedule your treatments around you and your treatment goals, physical condition, and broader care plans. We will also ensure your condition is monitored every step of the way, and will alter your treatment when or if necessary.

Sources: 1, 2

04 / Your treatment session

What to expect

2-5 hours

Inducing artificial fever response: You lie down in comfort and are safely exposed to heat, with the body temperature gradually increasing to between 38.5°C and 39.5°C. This mimics a fever to trigger the body's natural immune response.
Maintaining temperature: Once the target temperature point is reached, you are wrapped up in towels and blankets. This locks in the heat and keeps the immune system fully activated.
Normal temperature resumed: The body is slowly and safely brought back to normal temperature while hydrating and receiving support from the team. You can then use a private shower to refresh before resting.

05 / Care at Verita Life

Your care at Verita Life

At Verita Life, whole-body hyperthermia is considered within an individual care plan. We review your current oncology treatment and adjust the proposal according to your condition and tolerance, rather than using a fixed schedule for everyone.

06 / Questions

Questions patients ask

Is Whole Body Hyperthermia suitable for every patient?

No, not every cancer patient will be offered whole body hyperthermia. When you arrive at Verita Life we will perform a thorough medical assessment to determine whether or not it is suitable for you.

Does Whole Body Hyperthermia target a specific tumour?

No, whole body hyperthermia raises the whole body’s temperature rather than a specific area or tumour like with local body hyperthermia.

How is Whole Body Hyperthermia different from a sauna?

Unlike a traditional sauna, whole body hyperthermia is medically supervised and gently raises the body’s core temperature rather than the air around it.

Will whole body hyperthermia reduce my tumour size?

Whole body hyperthermia doesn’t directly reduce tumour sizes, however it does have a strong impact on tumour perfusion and anti-tumour immune responses. This means that while it doesn’t replace conventional cancer care, it can make your tumours more receptive to other treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy programmes.

07 / Sources

Sources and medical review

Medically reviewed by Dr Abdulla El-Hossami, Group Chief Medical Officer. Last reviewed 2026-09-30.

08 / Articles and resources

Articles and resources

Patient sits in a black leather chair having a conversation with a medical professional in scrubs who is sitting in front of her.

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