The Evaluation of Oncological Hyperthermia Centers and Turkey Modeling Oncological Hyperthermia Centers and Turkey Modeling

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: The latest technology and current treatments are used in the treatment of cancer in Turkey; however, oncological hyperthermia devices are currently not available. This study aimed to demonstrate the necessity of oncological hyperthermia devices in Turkey where cancer treatment is performed effectively. In this direction, some important oncological hyperthermia centers have been examined to what kind of planning can be developed in this country. Materials and Methods: The data were collected regarding the number of patients who had undergone hyperthermia during the treatment of cancer and the distribution of oncological diagnoses, devices per population, and rate of hyperthermia use. Subsequently, a model was prepared for Turkey, and an evaluation was performed on the number of cancer patients that can be applied to this treatment and the need for the number of oncological hyperthermia devices. Results: According to the data obtained, an average of 375 patients are treated annually per hyperthermia device in relevant centers. When a similar projection is applied for Turkey, hyperthermia treatment can be applied to an average of 400 patients annually with 0.18 hyperthermia devices per one million population. According to this result, considering the population and the annual cancer diagnosis rates, it is predicted that 13 deep regional hyperthermia devices are required across the country. Conclusion: The presence of deep regional hyperthermia devices in comprehensive oncology centers plays an effective role in oncological treatment with modern radiotherapy devices. This condition along with the sufficient number of radiation oncologists will significantly benefit the capacity to provide oncological treatment options holistically.