Authors : Sakthiushadevi J.; Vikas Babu G.; Damodara Kumaran; Sujay Susikar; Arulkumar G.; Venkatachalam V.; Reenaa Mohan

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4fwjv797

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/5822kjx8

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov1556

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Despite widespread use of opioids and adjuvant analgesics, a substantial proportion of cancer patients continue to experience inadequate pain relief. Evidence regarding the analgesic potential of hyperthermia remains limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of deep hyperthermia, delivered as a controlled 1°C tissue temperature elevation, in alleviating pain among patients with Stage IV solid malignancies and explored patients’ subjective experiences with the therapy. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design (QUAN → QUAL) was implemented in the Oncology Outpatient Department over a one-year period. Adult patients with Stage IV solid malignancies (n = 100) were recruited. Group A (n = 50) received deep hyperthermia in addition to standard symptomatic pain management. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted among patients who were willing, communicative, and had consistently received deep hyperthermia, to gain insight into their perceptions of the therapy. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 instrument. Ethical principles were strictly adhered to throughout the study. Among participants, 62% were aged 51–70 years, and 58% were male. Both groups demonstrated a significant post-treatment reduction in mean pain scores (p < 0.001). Notably, 64% of participants in Group A also exhibited a measurable reduction in tumour size. Qualitative analysis of IDIs identified five overarching themes: Perceived Effectiveness, Challenges in Receiving Therapy, Emotional and Psychological Experiences, Integration with Conventional Treatment, and Concerns Regarding Treatment Interaction and Timing. Deep hyperthermia with a controlled 1°C remission appears to be a safe and effective adjunct to opioid-based therapy for pain management in patients with Stage IV solid malignancies.

Keywords : Deep Heat Therapy; Stage IV Solid Malignancies; IDI; VAS; QOL.

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