2ⁿᵈ Edition of the Cancer R&D World Conference 2026

Abstract

Introduction – Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT), harnesses nonionizing electric fields and applies it in oncological hyperthermia. Unlike traditional hyperthermia techniques, mEHT merges the nonthermal impact with its thermal effect. It has limitless combinations with conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Method – Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) targets membrane rafts of the malignant cells. The precise targeting is based on the living objects' thermal and electric heterogeneity, selecting the cancer cells' peculiarities compared to their healthy counterpart . The chosen 13.56 MHz carrier signal is a safe medical standard and optimal for selection mechanisms, while the applied amplitude modulation is in the low-frequency range, promoting the polarization and excitation effects of the transmembrane proteins. The technical realization is a high preciosity impedance matched resonant circuit following any real-time target changes. The patient is a discrete resonant circuit part.

Results – The heterogenic energy absorption of mEHT forces antitumor effects by inducing the exhaustion of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) in the cells . These HSPs, when released extracellularly , along with other members of the damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP)  allow for antigen-presenting for tumor-specific T CD8+ cells thereby enhancing the immune response against the tumor. Preclinical studies in vivo proved the selection and verified the development of DAMP and the immunogenic processes. The clinical studies validate the method. A Phase III study showed a significant elongation of the survival time of patients with advanced cervix cancer  with abscopal effect and improved quality of life. Numerous Phase II clinical trials show the efficacy of mEHT with significant improvements for pancreas, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. Other studies and case reports support the success of complementary applications with immune checkpoint inhibitors and supportive therapy.

Conclusion – The potential of the mEHT process to broaden the effect of local treatment to become systemic immunogenic. This unique feature of mEHT, which could lead to significant advancements in oncotherapies, makes it a promising avenue for further exploration.