Hyperthermia as a treatment modality in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Objective. To review the current status of hyperthermia (heating the prostate up to 45°C) as a treatment modality for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods. Hyperthermia versus thermotherapy is defined, the techniques and equipment are presented, and the current English literature regarding safety and efficacy is reviewed. Results. Both transrectal and transurethral heat applications are very safe procedures. Most studies evaluating the efficacy have been nonrandomized and uncontrolled. The 50-70 percent symptom improvement rate should be compared with the natural history of the disease and the considerable placebo effect. The few controlled studies produced contradictory results. Conclusions. At the present time, hyperthermia has not been shown, in scientifically well-designed studies, to be a treatment modality with measurable and durable outcome in BPH.