Extreme heat 'can help treat cancer'

Cancer can be treated through the application of moderate and extreme heat, according to new research.

Scientists at the Hashemite University in Jordan used ultrasound techniques to deliver doses of high temperature to tumours.

Dr Osama Al-Bataineh said: "Low temperature-controlled hyperthermia and high temperature treatments are beneficial in curing both malignant and benign tumours."

According to Dr Al-Bataineh, this approach also has the advantage of being minimally invasive compared with more traditional avenues.

Temperatures of over 50 C led to permanent tissue damage in cells of a prostate growth due to necrosis in treatments of between one to two minutes.

Presenting their results at the AACR Dead Sea International Conference on Advances in Cancer Research this week, experts said more investigations will be required to confirm the tests.

Also unveiled at the event was the news that seaweed extract could help those who suffer from cancers of the immune system, which are classified as Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's types.